The letter said the associations support the existing law, which requires insurers that compel consumers to accept non-OEM parts when vehicles are repaired to inform consumers that non-OEM parts will be used and to warrant these parts are “of like kind, quality, safety, fit and performance” as OEM parts.
The letter outlines their reasons for support of the existing law and asks that if any of them are approached to author legislation to promote the use of "imitation" crash parts, that they first contact the three associations.
Following is the text of their letter, which was signed by Curt Augustine of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Brian Maas of the California New Car Dealers Association, David McClune of the California Autobody Association and Nancy Peverini of the Consumer Attorneys of California.
“The above-identified organizations and signatories write to inform you of their collective opposition to legislation that promotes non-OEM (original equipment manufacturer) crash parts as the functional equivalent of OEM parts. Non-original equipment manufacturer (non-OEM) crash parts are parts made by a party other than the original car manufacturer without the dimensions, design specifications, tolerances or other information known to the original equipment manufacturer.
Existing law requires insurers that compel consumers to accept non-OEM parts when vehicles are repaired to inform consumers that "imitation" parts will be used and to warrant the "imitation" parts are "of like kind, quality, safety, fit and performance" as OEM parts. For years, the insurance industry and off-shore, aftermarket parts industry have tried to weaken the law so they may compel unsuspecting consumers to accept inferior non-EOM parts.
