Insure.com Offers Interactive Guide to Auto Parts Laws

28 March 2000
Insure.com Offers Interactive Guide to Auto Parts Laws

    WEST HARTFORD, Conn., March 28 Insure.com, the Consumer
Insurance Guide (http://www.insure.com), has launched its new interactive
Consumer Guide to Repair Parts Laws, which provides specifics about the use of
non-Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts in every state.
    Readers at insure.com can quickly find their specific rights with the
Consumer Guide to Repair Parts Laws, viewing laws by state or by rule.
"Knowing your rights enables you to get exactly what you deserve and to avoid
conflicts about the repair of your car.  Our Guide is another tool consumers
can use to make sure they're being dealt with fairly by body shops and
insurers," said Joe Frey, Senior Editor of insure.com.
    The type of auto parts used in car repairs has become a hot-button issue
since the State Farm auto-parts trial verdict was passed down in October 1999,
which found State farm guilty of consumer fraud for failing to tell
policyholders about the use of aftermarket (or non-OEM) parts.  As a result of
that verdict, many major insurance companies stopped recommending the use of
aftermarket auto parts -- sheet metal parts such as hoods, bumpers, and
fenders. But there are still many insurance companies that recommend
aftermarket parts in repairs, so consumers need to know their rights.
    Whether you're shopping for insurance or making a claim, it's important to
weigh the costs, covered benefits, financial strength of the company, its
complaint track record, and your rights.  With insure.com's interactive tools,
feature stories, helpful tips, and news reports, consumers can become savvy
insurance shoppers.
    Insure.com produces extensive reports about auto, business, health, home,
and life insurance, plus annuities.  Other interactive tools include the
insure.com Car Crash Performance Tool, Complaint Finder, Insurance Company
Guide, and Morningstar VA Performance Tool.
    CONTACT: Stacy Winker of insure.com, (860) 233-2800, ext. 24,
swinker@insure.com.