New Vermont Law Mandates Study on Auto Aftermarket Labor Rates and Parts
A new law signed by Vermont Governor Phil Scott (R) tasks Vermont's Commissioner of Financial Regulation with investigating and making recommendations on hourly labor rates for auto body work. The legislation's (S.95) sponsor, State Senator Ann Cummings (D), noted, "what the insurance company covers and what the actual costs are are getting farther and farther apart. The actual labor costs frequently are not anywhere close to what the auto body shop has to pay to get good mechanics. This study will look at that and see if it is time to readjust things..."
Other topics that this study will investigate include:
- The extent to which insurance companies control repair work and how that should affect liability,
- Usage of aftermarket or recycled parts
An interim report is due to Vermont's House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development by January 15, 2024, and the final report is due November 24, 2024.