Independent Repairers, Automakers Seek Right-to-Repair Law

Organizations representing the country’s independent automotive repair industry, service professionals, collision repair experts and leading automakers today presented a legislative proposal to Congressional leaders on automotive right-to-repair.

The Automotive Service Association, Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and Alliance for Automotive Innovation say the Safety As First Emphasis Repair Act, or SAFE, would guarantee independent repair facilities continue to have the same ability to perform diagnostic and repair services as franchised auto dealers. 

The advocates for the bill say it would give consumers confidence their vehicles are safely repaired in well-equipped shops by well-trained technicians using the repair information made available by automakers.

The law would build on a 2023 agreement by independent repairers and automakers that said, “independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.” 

In a letter Congress outlining the proposal, the coalition of repairers and automakers wrote:

“While… existing frameworks have created a thriving and competitive repair marketplace, we understand the desire for a federal legislative solution that addresses evolving consumer expectations and technological advancements. That’s why our three organizations have come together to propose a new path forward – one that builds on existing protections while introducing additional measures to prioritize consumer safety and choice.”

Act Provisions

• Affirmation of vehicle data access: Ensures consumers and independent repair shops have data needed to repair vehicles.
• Empowers consumers: Ensures consumers retain the right to decide where and how their vehicles are repaired.
• Prioritizes vehicle safety: Guarantees repairs are performed in accordance with manufacturer-produced repair procedures to restore vehicle safety systems and structural integrity.
• Offers part choices: Ensures consumers have a choice between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and non-OEM repair parts.
• Protects non-OEM choices: Extends the same recall and safety protections to customers choosing non-OEM parts as currently available for customers choosing OEM parts.
• Enhances transparency: Requires disclosure of prior alterations or repairs for used vehicles.
• Promotes inspection programs: Supports periodic safety inspection and post-collision inspection programs to safeguard against unsafe or improper repairs.

What about the REPAIR Act?

Last Congress, policymakers considered the REPAIR Act. That bill would have mandated access to tools, data and information but didn’t address a consumer’s right to ensure those would be utilized to restore a vehicle’s safety systems or structure to full functionality, advocates of the SAFE Repair Act say. They say safety was never addressed as a priority of the REPAIR Act but is a priority of the proposed SAFE Repair Act.