HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

               HB 1526     

Title: Regulating the use of nonoriginal crash parts for the repair of motor vehicles.

Brief Description: Requires identification of nonoriginal crash parts, requires certain disclosures when the use of nonoriginal crash parts is proposed, and makes violation of these provisions a violation of the Consumer Protection Act. 

  Sponsors:Keiser, Hatfield.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS & INSURANCE

Meeting Date: Thursday, February 4, 1999

Bill Analysis Prepared by: Anntonette Alberti (7117)

Background: A crash part is a replacement for any of the nonmechanical sheet metal or plastic parts which make up the exterior of a motor vehicle. 

Original crash parts are manufactured by or for the manufacturer of a particular brand of motor vehicle. Original crash parts are authorized to carry the name or trademark of the manufacturer of the motor vehicle. 

Nonoriginal crash parts are manufactured by someone other than the original manufacturer of an automobile.

Summary of Bill: Nonoriginal crash parts must carry the logo or name of their manufacturers. This identification must be visible after installation of the crash parts whenever practicable.

Insurers may not require the use of nonoriginal crash parts in repairing a motor vehicle unless they disclose this fact to the insured.  The insurer must make sure the written estimate for repair:

Cindicates each nonoriginal crash part to be used;

Cindicates whether the non original crash parts are approved by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA); and

Cincludes a statement regarding the warranties that apply to nonoriginal crash parts. 

A motor vehicle body shop may not use nonoriginal crash parts without first disclosing in writing:

Ceach nonoriginal crash part to be used; and

Cwhether the non original crash parts are approved by the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA).

If a nonoriginal crash part manufacturer or a motor vehicle body shop violates these provisions, it is a violation of the Consumer Protection Act.  If a insurer violates these provisions, it is a violation of the Washington insurance code.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: None requested.

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

Rulemaking Authority: None granted.