Bills Restricting Use of Aftermarket Parts Clear R.I. Houses

June 21, 2018—A bill restricting the use of aftermarket parts and banning insurance companies from requiring the use of aftermarket parts has passed both houses of the Rhode Island legislature.

Representatives passed companion House Bill 8013 with an amendment declaring it does not apply to glass repair.

The House voted 59-8 in favor of the bill.

The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee in May voted for an amended OEM parts bill, extending the customer-consent requirement from 30 months to the first 48 months of vehicle life.

According to the bills, the insurer and auto body repair shops must provide a written notice to the vehicle owner that "he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install OEM parts", or "he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install "non-original equipment manufacturer parts" in the repair". This applies to any automobile which is less than 48 months beyond the date of manufacture. 

The written notice may be provided on the appraisal written on behalf of the insurer and the estimate prepared by the shop.