CHARLESTON, W. Va. (March 14, 2017) — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is urging its West Virginia members to contact their state legislators to oppose a state bill that it said will repeal an important consumer protection for vehicle owners.
West Virginia Senate Bill 544 would eliminate the requirement allowing consumers to give written consent for repairers to use aftermarket parts in repairing a vehicle still under manufacturer's warranty.
Current West Virginia law states that vehicle body shops must use genuine crash parts for three years after the vehicle was built, unless the owner offers written consent to use aftermarket parts. SB 544, the ASA said, would change the consent provision to notification.
SB 544 is similar to a bill in Arkansas that was defeated by voice vote Feb. 24.
"Vehicle owners deserve notice as to the types of parts used in the repair of their vehicle after an accident," ASA Washington Representative Robert L. Redding said of the Arkansas bill.