NAMIC Applauds Subcommittee Passage of Auto Affordability Bills, Commends Improved AV Framework

NAMIC applauds the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade for approving two bills today key to improving auto affordability – the REPAIR Act, which would protect consumer choice to help lower vehicle repair costs, and the PART Act, which would create a national approach to fighting catalytic converter theft.

“Limitations on consumer choice in auto repair have played a significant part in raising the cost of vehicle ownership,” said Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for NAMIC. “Maintaining a competitive market for repair parts that protect vehicle safety, and combatting the spike in catalytic converter thefts in recent years, can help reduce those costs and help make vehicles, and insurance coverage, more affordable.”

The subcommittee also approved legislation establishing a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles, which now explicitly respects states’ rights to legislate and regulate traffic codes, vehicle registration, insurance requirements, and other authorities, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies said today.

“Recognizing the role of states as Congress sets the rules of the road for AVs is an important step forward for the SELF DRIVE Act,” Grande said. “Registration, insurance requirements, and traffic safety are overseen by state authorities who know their environment and the needs of their citizens, AV technology doesn’t change that.”

NAMIC commends the committee for making these changes and stands ready to continue to provide its expertise on AVs and their effects on states, cities, insurers, and policyholders as the committee process advances.

“The incredible potential of AV technology to safely improve mobility for all users depends on consumer trust,” Grande said. “A framework that maintains a role for state authorities while enabling the federal government to encourage innovation while ensuring safety claims are verified will help build that trust and create support and opportunity for AVs going forward.”