May 16, 2016—A New Hampshire Senate bill that requires an insurer to disclose whether or not an estimate has been prepared based on the use of aftermarket parts passed the state Senate and House of Representatives last week.
The bill is currently before Governor Maggie Hassan for final approval.
An insurer that fails to provide the disclosure would be prohibited from requesting or requiring the use of aftermarket parts.
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) voiced approval for the bill (SB 436) in a letter sent by ASA Washington, D.C. representative Robert L. Redding Jr. to New Hampshire policymakers in March 2016:
“ASA supports requiring insurers and auto collision facilities to provide disclosure of part type, description and warranty information to the consumer for all part types. Consumers will be best served if written consent is required for the use of these parts.
“ASA believes a competitive parts marketplace, of tested and verified quality parts, is in the best interests of the motoring public. ASA opposes parts policies that focus solely on cost efficiency without regard to certification, verifiable quality and safety.”