Automotive repair: replacement parts.

Existing law, the Automotive Repair Act, establishes the Bureau of Automotive Repair under the supervision and control of the Director of Consumer Affairs. Existing law provides that a person who fails to comply with the act is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, except as defined. Existing law prohibits an insurer from requiring the use of nonoriginal equipment or aftermarket replacement parts for repairs on an insured's automobile unless the insured has been given advance notice of the use of these parts in the repair estimate as well as information on the warranty applicable to these replacement parts. This bill would require an automotive repair dealer or insurer who uses or directs the use of replacement crash parts, as defined, to follow specified procedures when using replacement crash parts, to expressly notify the automobile owner regarding the use of specific categories of crash parts in making the repairs, and to provide disclosures as to the warranty for those parts, as specified. Because this bill would create a new crime, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.