Despite howls of protest from lobbyists representing insurers and aftermarket companies, the California Senate Judiciary Committee not only approved the CRA-sponsored SB 1059, it also added new muscle to the bill. By a 3-2 vote the committee agreed to add the following provision to the bill: “At the time of sale, the insurer shall specifically notify the insured whether the insurance contract allows for the use of aftermarket parts, and that such use may affect the insured's vehicle manufacturer's warranty.  The required use of aftermarket parts must also be clearly and conspicuously disclosed in bold type in the front declaration page of the policy."
  

“Shops should be calling on their legislators either in Sacramento or their districts to keep them updated on the collision industry,” states CAA Past President Dave Mello. 

CAA lobbied hard on the following bills at their recent Legislative Day at the State Capitol in Sacramento.  CAA members were able to call on over forty legislators and staff concerning each one of these bills and had an opportunity to educate their legislators on the collision industry and how each one of these proposed bills will affect shops and consumers. 

 State Senator Migden: “SB 1059 removes the Catch-22 that some insurers put claimants and repairers in when insurers insist that aftermarket parts be used in repairs even though doing this can void their clients’ vehicle warranties.”

The California Collision Repair Industry jumped an important hurdle as the Senate Banking and Finance Committee passed Senate Bill 1059. The bill provides that requiring an automotive repair dealer to install an aftermarket part in a vehicle that is under factory warranty is an unfair method of competition and a deceptive act or practice in the business of insurance.

California will require all drivers to use hands free cell phones only while driving as of this July. The NHTSA has the following opinion on the hazards of talking while handling a cell phone.

    The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.