ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Oyango Snell, state government relations counsel for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI), issued the following response to House Bill 1258, which would limit the use of aftermarket auto parts in Maryland.   

“HB 1258 would limit the use of aftermarket parts in Maryland, forcing consumers to use original equipment manufacturer parts, which can be 60% more expensive than aftermarket parts.

“After an auto accident, consumers need all the help they can get to save money on necessary car repairs. Aftermarket parts are generic affordable quality repair parts. Limiting consumers’ choice of auto repair parts takes money out of their pocketbooks.”

According to a consumer report survey, 40% of car owners postpone car repairs due to a financial burden, and AAA survey found one-in-four car owners could not afford major repairs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that aftermarket parts do not compromise the safety of a vehicle.

"Consumers count on safe and high quality generic choices to keep costs low. If we can choose generic brands of everything from shampoo to drugs, why not give consumers the choice of high quality generic headlights or door panels?”

The Consumer Federation of America stated in recent testimony, “Not only will the lack of competition allow car companies to charge whatever they want for the parts we need to fix our cars, but when they charge so much that the car is ‘totaled,’ our only recourse is to go back to them and buy another one of their products. The bottom line: If automakers succeed in eliminating competition, the cost to consumers will be enormous.”

"PCI urges the committee to support competition in the market and allow consumers a choice in their auto parts,” concluded Snell. 

 Oyango Snell is available for media interviews.