As an insurance advisor, I am committed to helping the automotive aftermarket industry stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the automotive industry. One important trend to watch is the Right to Repair Act (H.R. 906), which is currently in committee in the House of Representatives.
If passed, the Right to Repair Act would require automobile manufacturers to provide independent repair shops and aftermarket businesses with the same access to repair information, tools, and equipment as they do to their own dealerships.
This would have a significant impact on the automotive aftermarket industry, and auto repair shop owners and aftermarket businesses need to be aware of the potential changes.
Here are some cliff notes I’ve gathered regarding the Right to Repair Act:
- The bill would give vehicle owners the right to choose where and with what parts to repair their vehicles: This would allow vehicle owners to take their vehicles to independent repair shops and use aftermarket parts, if they choose.
- The bill would create a level playing field for independent repair shops and aftermarket businesses. Currently, manufacturers have a number of advantages over independent repair shops, including access to proprietary repair information and tools. The Right to Repair Act would level the playing field by giving independent repair shops and aftermarket businesses the same access to information and tools as dealerships.
How can auto repair shop owners and aftermarket businesses prepare for the Right to Repair Act? Here are a few tips:
- Start planning now. The Right to Repair Act is still in committee, but is likely to be passed in the coming years. The sooner you start planning, the better prepared you will be.
- Consider investing in new tools and equipment. The Right to Repair Act would require manufacturers to provide access to diagnostic tools and equipment, as well as wireless transmission of repair and diagnostic data. You will need to invest in these new tools and equipment in order to be able to compete effectively with dealerships.
- Develop new products and services. The Right to Repair Act would create new opportunities for aftermarket businesses to develop new products and services to meet the needs of vehicle owners. For example, you could develop new diagnostic tools, repair kits, or training programs for independent repair shops.
In addition to the above, here are some specific things that auto repair shop owners and aftermarket businesses can do to prepare for the Right to Repair Act:
- Make sure your insurance policy covers the risks associated with the Right to Repair Act, such as liability for repairs made with aftermarket parts.
- Make sure your suppliers are aware of the Right to Repair Act and are prepared to provide you with the parts and tools you need.
By preparing now, auto repair shop owners and aftermarket businesses can position themselves to take advantage of the new opportunities that the Right to Repair Act will create.
