2017 Rhode Island General Laws
Title 27 - Insurance
Chapter 27-10.2 - Motor Vehicle Body Replacement Parts
Section 27-10.2-2 - Aftermarket parts - Time limit prohibition.
§ 27-10.2-2. Aftermarket parts - Time limit prohibition.
(a) Whenever an insurance company, in adjusting a first party claim for motor vehicle physical damage, intends to specify the use of aftermarket parts, it shall notify the insured in writing. Any auto body repair shop conducting business in the state of Rhode Island shall not use non-original equipment manufactured (OEM) parts, also referred to as aftermarket parts, in the repair of any person's automobile, without that person giving the repairer his or her express written consent.
(b) No insurance company may require the use of aftermarket parts when negotiating repairs with any repairer unless the repairer has written consent from the vehicle owner to install aftermarket parts. The provisions of this section shall apply only to automobiles which are less than thirty (30) months beyond the date of manufacture.
(c) For any automobile which is less than thirty (30) months beyond the date of manufacture, the insurer and the auto body repairs shop must provide a written notice to the vehicle owner that: (i) he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install "original equipment manufacturer parts" or "OEM parts" in the repair of a motor vehicle body replacement; or (ii) he or she may require the insurer to pay for and the auto body shop to install "non-original equipment manufacturer parts" (non-"OEM parts") in the repair of a motor vehicle body replacement. To comply with this provision, written notice may be provided on the appraisal written on behalf of the insurer and the estimate prepared by the auto body repair shop.
History of Section.
(P.L. 1987, ch. 338, § 1; P.L. 1994, ch. 116, § 1; P.L. 2006, ch. 621, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 313, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 418, § 1; P.L. 2008, ch. 475, § 6.)
