Law Codes or Requirements for Auto Body Shops
Many people have experienced a fender-bender at one time or another. It's great when vehicles are repaired quickly and hassle-free; however, dealing with red tape and headaches does happen at times when dealing with auto body repair after an accident. Luckily, there are state and federal laws and industry regulations that protect consumers and can be enforced during such instances.
State Laws
State laws generally do not cover the methods that auto body shops use in repairing cars, but in many states, there are sets of laws and/or agencies that govern an auto body shop's conduct. For example, California's Department of Consumer Affairs has a Bureau of Automotive Repair, which specifically handles licensing, payment of taxes and fees, and monitoring of workplace safety and general business practices. Ethical estimates, invoicing and insurance company activities are strictly enforced, especially given the tendency of some insurance companies to make deals and “buddy up” with certain shops. The laws are put in place to prohibit such practices and protect the consumers' rights to choose their own body shop for repairs.
Federal Laws
There are federal laws in place that affect auto body shops, but they mainly deal with environmental and safety concerns. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforces labor safety standards, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has several regulations that body shops must adhere to, especially when it comes to disposal of hazardous materials such as freon, used oil and used lead acid batteries. These government entities stress the importance of safe labor practices and proper handling of hazardous materials and protect both consumers and businesses.
Industry Regulations
Organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) put forth auto repair industry standard rules and regulations, which allow body shops to more easily comply with state and federal laws. These regulations also protect both consumers and businesses, creating a system of checks and balances. Involvement in industry organizations is not mandatory for an auto body shop; however, many consumers feel more confident taking their vehicle to a shop that has been certified, so membership in ASE or other such group is a good business practice.