April 27, 2018—The Automotive Service Association (ASA) submitted written testimony in support of the OEM compliance requirements within a Rhode Island House Bill, which outlined the importance of adhering to OEM repair standards for the shop and the consumer.
The Rhode Island House Committee on Corporations held a hearing on April 24 on House Bill 8013. If enacted, the bill would not allow insurers to require "repair specifications or procedures" that are not in compliance with vehicle manufacturer recommendations.
“With the complexities of today’s vehicles, there needs to be assurances for the public that their cars are being repaired in a manner that is consistent with the vehicle manufacturer’s stated repair procedures," Stephen Regan, ASA-Mass. and R.I.executive director said. "As we have painfully learned from the recent $42 million award, against a repairer in Texas that did not follow manufacturer repair recommendations, following the OEM procedure can be a matter of public safety.”
