Posted on May 09, 2022
Opinion: Time to reform laws so consumers get safer auto repairs

The state legislature once again considered laws that would help consumers get safer vehicle repairs.

The Auto Body Association of Connecticut, for one, endorsed needed legislative reform to protect consumers by prohibiting outside parties from pressuring licensed repairers to deviate from Original Equipment Manufacturer recommendations or installing unsafe parts.

The original vehicle manufacturer, the OEM, sets guidelines that are the undisputed standard of care for proper vehicle repair. Insurance companies have long pressured repairers to cut corners and deviate from these guidelines to effectuate cheaper repairs.

This can be done through pressures to compromise on the quality of the repair and/or mandating the use of imitation parts, which are cheaper but often do not meet the technical specification or quality standards of OEM parts. This results in improper fit and function, something that has always been important, but even more so now in the context of today’s more complex vehicles and more integrated safety systems.

Improper repairs or use of imitation, aftermarket parts may compromise the overall safety of the vehicle, compromise the vehicle’s safety systems (e.g. airbag), void the vehicle’s warranty, violate a lease or financing agreement, result in premature corrosion and/or paint problems, and cause one’s vehicle to suffer further diminished value at resale. Connecticut’s motoring public should not ever have to compromise occupant safety or needlessly accelerate the diminished value of their vehicle for no other reason than to save an insurer a few dollars. Most vehicle manufacturers have issued position statements on the importance of following recommended repair procedures and the dangers of using inferior parts, including warnings that such deviations may compromise the vehicle’s warranty.

It just makes sense.

Imagine your surgeon is preparing to operate on you. She intends to utilize a titanium plate and screws because her experience and education taught her that titanium was the best material for your repairing your injury. Just prior to the operation, however, some desk jockey from an insurance company (with no medical license, training or degree) comes in and tells your surgeon that she is only permitted to use aluminum plate and screws (because it is slightly cheaper). The insurance desk jockey rejects pleas from your surgeon that operating in this fashion would be dangerous and fall below the standard of care; and instead tells your surgeon that if she wants to use titanium, she can pay for it out of her own pocket.

If that sounds absurd, it is. But this is precisely the type of injustice that’s happening with auto body repair every day. Outside interference, primarily from insurance companies, relentlessly pressures licensed repairs to compromise quality without regard to occupant safety or repair standards.

Just as you would want your surgeon to use her best judgment when operating, you want your vehicle repairer to do the same. That means following manufacturer’s specifications. Since simple changes would save lives, make vehicles safer, and protect consumers, it is my sincere hope that this much needed reform will be passed.

Auto body repair shops have been forced to argue with insurance companies on behalf of consumers. It is time for reforms so that will no longer be necessary.

Needed reform could very well save lives, make vehicles safer, and protect consumers. Clearly, the sooner reforms are enacted, the better for us all.

Attorney John M. Parese is a partner at the New Haven-based firm of Buckley Wynne & Parese. He can be reached at 203-776-2278 or [email protected].


This article was featured in the following news publications:

Recent Case Results

    $9,000,000

    Serious Injury Settlement

    $7,500,000

    Racketeering and Fraud Judgment

    $6,400,000

    Serious Injury Verdict

    $4,600,000

    Wrongful Death Settlement

    $1,100,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $800,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $2,100,000

    Premise Liability Settlement

    $1,800,000

    Liquor Liability Judgment

    $1,500,000

    Police Liability Settlement

    $498,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $475,000

    Motor Vehicle Arbitration Award

    $350,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $950,000

    Legal Malpractice Settlement

    $4,850,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $250,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

    $650,000

    Wrongful Death Settlement

    $600,000

    Medical Malpractice Verdict

    $600,000

    Sexual Abuse Settlement

    $8,500,000

    Serious Injury Settlement

    $500,000

    Product Liability Settlement

    $385,000

    Product Liability Settlement

    $300,000

    Serious Injury Verdict

    $275,000

    Serious Injury Verdict

    $1,000,000

    Motor Vehicle Settlement

Client Reviews of Our Personal Injury Attorneys

    Friendly, professional and VERY responsive!

    Friendly, professional and VERY responsive!

    Attorney John Buckley was highly recommended to me by quite a few people and upon my first meeting to discuss my case, I knew immediately that I was in good hands. He took his time to explain everything to me in great detail and stayed in communication throughout my entire case. His staff was also extremely friendly, professional and VERY responsive! I actually never had to reach out about my case because they over-communicated with me from beginning to end. My accident was very unfortunate, but I’m extremely grateful I was working with Attorney Buckley through it all! I highly recommend this law firm!!!

    - Jamie B.

    Respectful, extremely knowledgeable, & understanding

    Respectful, extremely knowledgeable, & understanding

    Recently engaged BWP concerning a motor vehicle accident. From the initial consult, and continuing throughout the entire process, John Parese and the entire staff were respectful, extremely knowledgeable, understanding of my goals and supportive to work towards achieving the best possible outcome. It was a very seamless, friendly relationship and a firm that I would highly recommend to anyone.

    - Robert T.

    Couldn’t have been happier with the services I received!

    Couldn’t have been happier with the services I received!

    I contacted BWP in June 2019, after I was hit by a drunk driver. John Wynne was my attorney. I couldn’t have been happier with the services I received. Everyone I dealt with was very professional and made sure I had all the help I needed. I highly recommend this law firm.

    - Valerie

    Quick and consistent.

    Quick and consistent.

    John Buckley was quick and consistent in relaying information to me regarding litigation, and he and his staff were always very supportive of any requests I made. John’s experience and strategic expertise made the difference in dealing with the insurance company, and we achieved the best possible outcome thanks to his vigilance. Cannot recommend BWP highly enough!

    - Richard

    Thorough, caring, and patient.

    Thorough, caring, and patient.

    I don't have the words to describe how wonderful John Parese was to work with. He took my family and I under his wing during a difficult time. He was by our side for 3 years while I was treated. He was thorough, caring, and patient. He was always there to answer questions and made us feel that he was in our corner. John explained our options and walked us through the process many times. It was WAY outside of my comfort zone to go to litigation, but he believed in me and my case. He was phenomenal in court and I was very proud to be part of his team. We are forever thankful and would recommend him to anyone!

    - The Yanellis

    Kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable.

    Kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable.

    John Parese is an excellent attorney who provided care that was needed at an extremely difficult and a long period of time. He and his team are very dedicated and gave professional guidance in various aspects. I am very grateful for having received a degree of release for the painful accident, and trauma which was unfortunate and terrifying. Mr. Parese is very kind, patient, honest and extremely knowledgeable. I'd highly recommend his help to people in need.

    - Xueping Q.

    Two thumbs up!

    Two thumbs up!

    John Parese is an amazing attorney! He constantly checked in with me to make sure I was feeling better after my accident and gave me updates on where we were in the process. I never doubted that I was in good hands. Thank you John and also to your team! Two thumbs up!

    - Kristen R.

    Wonderful staff.

    Wonderful staff.

    Wonderful staff. They gave the impression that they really care for their clients. I will call on them again if I need in the future.

    - Kelly B.

    Excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients.

    Excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients.

    John has assisted me with several issues. He is an excellent attorney who always fights to protect his clients. I was able to recover medically knowing John was fully handling the insurance and issues with my case. I will continue to use him in the future.

    - Danielle Q.

    Very professional and his team is wonderful!

    Very professional and his team is wonderful!

    Attorney Parese helped me with my car accident. He is very professional and his team is wonderful. I highly recommend his services for car accidents!!! Thank you John.

    - Walter P.