Appendix II
State Legislation Governing Aftermarket Crash Parts
and Recycled Airbags

a Some states require that written repair estimates contain a disclosure statement notifying consumers that aftermarket crash parts will be used in the repair. b Some states specify that aftermarket crash parts can only be used after the consumer has signed a written consent for their use.

c Some states require that written repair estimates contain a detailed listing of any aftermarket crash parts that will be used in the repair.

d Some states require that any aftermarket crash parts used must be comparable in kind and quality to original equipment parts.

e Some states require that the manufacturers of aftermarket crash parts provide a written warranty covering each part used in the repair.

f Some states require that consumers be notified when the use of an aftermarket crash part will change the terms of their vehicle warranty.

g Some states require that insurance companies give consumers the option of using either aftermarket or original equipment crash parts in the repair.

h Some states require that all aftermarket crash parts used in a repair indicate the manufacturer of those parts.

i Some states have no aftermarket crash parts legislation.

Source: National Association of Independent Insurers.

According to an Automotive Occupant Restraints Council official, only New York had laws governing the sale and installation of recycled airbags. New York requires that each recycled airbag be certified according to standards established by an approved, nationally recognized testing, engineering, and research body. 1   On May 2, 2000, the New York Supreme Court for Albany County granted a preliminary injunction concerning the requirement that all recycled airbags be certified before installation. The judge determined that, since there was no existing way to certify recycled airbags, it was impossible to abide by the law. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has since begun reviewing one company’s recycled airbag certification procedures to determine whether the procedures address the concerns of the court.