SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5524

                    As of February 3, 1999

Title:  An act relating to the use of imitation crash parts for repair of motor vehicles.

Brief Description:  Requiring notice for use of imitation parts in auto repairs.

Sponsors:  Senators Prentice and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Commerce, Trade, Housing & Financial Institutions:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, TRADE, HOUSING & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Staff:  Susan Jones (786-7784)

Background:  Generally, there are two types of motor vehicle crash parts: genuine crash parts that are made by or for the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle, and imitation crash parts that are not made for or by the original manufacturer of the motor vehicle.

Summary of Bill:  No insurance company nor body shop may require the use of imitation crash parts in the repair of a motor vehicle for a period of five years from the year the vehicle was manufactured unless the owner consents in writing.  If the owner consents, the repair estimate must specify which parts are genuine and which are imitation and must include a disclosure providing a line for the customer=s signature.

Insurers and body shops may use imitation crash parts on vehicles six years old and older only if the repair estimate specifies which parts are genuine and which are imitation and includes a disclosure with the estimate.  No customer signature line is provided on the disclosure.

Violations of the chapter by insurers are violations of the Washington Insurance Code. Violations of the chapter by body shops are violations of the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.