A bill under consideration in Ohio could change how collision repair shops document estimates and communicate parts choices, while expanding policyholder access to OEM parts in insured repairs.
H.B. 636, known as the Auto Insurance Transparency Act, would require insurers to allow policyholders to choose OEM parts for collision repairs, even when policies default to aftermarket components, as long as the customer pays the difference. The measure was introduced Dec. 23, 2025 and presented to the Ohio House Insurance Committee in early March, where it remains under review according to the Ohio Legislature.
The legislation also outlines new responsibilities for repairers. Collision repair shops would be required to provide written disclosures identifying any non-OEM parts included in an estimate, indicate whether OEM parts are available, and explain the policyholder’s right to select OEM components, according to bill summaries from LegiScan and FastDemocracy.
Part of a Broader Push on Transparency
The Ohio proposal reflects a broader trend of states examining how parts usage is disclosed in collision repair and insurance claims, with increasing focus on documentation requirements that directly affect shop operations.
In Utah, a recently passed measure requires insurers to disclose the potential use of aftermarket parts at policy issuance and renewal, reinforcing the role of upfront communication in the repair process.
Similar efforts are emerging around how insurers communicate claim decisions. In Minnesota, S.F. 2209 would require insurers to provide written explanations when claim payments are reduced or denied, including details on how those determinations are made and communicated to policyholders.
What the bill could change for collision repair estimates and workflows
Taken together, these developments may point to a broader shift toward formalizing how repair information is documented and shared, particularly around parts selection, estimate accuracy, and policyholder awareness.
This bill and others like it may translate into more defined expectations for collision repairers when it comes to documentation, justification of parts choices, and clearer communication throughout the repair process. Ohio shops may need to ensure their estimating systems can identify OEM availability and generate compliant disclosures if the bill is enacted.
H.B. 636 remains in committee and would require additional legislative approval before advancing. No timeline has been set for further action.
