05/30/2025

CAR Coalition Research: Consumers Burdened by High Repair Costs

Source: Body Shop Business

The CAR Coalition, a growing group of independent automotive parts, management and repair companies, associations and insurers committed to preserving consumer choice and affordable vehicle repair, has shared a research paper focused on the impact of right to repair legislation on the auto industry. The paper, produced by Depth Services, LLC in collaboration with the Automotive Body Parts Association (ABPA), focuses on the REPAIR Act and the SMART Act and argues that in the face of rising costs and restrictions on auto repairs, consumers will face even higher costs without federal legislation that protects their right to choose how to repair their vehicles.

“Repair restrictions on automobiles continue to drive prices higher at a time when Americans can least afford it,” said Justin Rzepka, executive director of the CAR Coalition. “As the auto industry develops, policy surrounding these issues must as well. It’s time for Congress to get serious about solutions, including passing the REPAIR Act, to ensure consumers have options for quality, safe, affordable auto repairs.”

Key findings from the paper include:

• “We urgently need policy changes that protect consumer rights and foster fair competition.”
• “The economic and social importance of reliable transportation.”
• “We cannot ignore the emotional and psychological toll of dealing with the current repair ecosystem.”
• “The evidence is clear: more competition, transparency and consumer choice would not only reduce costs but also improve the quality of life for millions of American drivers.”

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“The findings of this report make it clear: rising repair costs and parts monopolies are hitting consumers hard,” said Edward Salamy, executive director of the ABPA. “Drivers across the country are struggling with inflated repair bills and delays that could be avoided if we had a truly competitive market for replacement parts. The ABPA remains committed to fighting for consumer choice, affordability and access to high-quality parts to ensure fairness in the industry.”

The CAR Coalition states that the REPAIR Act safeguards vehicle owners’ access to essential repair and maintenance information, ensuring independent repair shops, parts manufacturers and aftermarket service providers can continue to offer affordable and high-quality services. With the increasing complexity of modern vehicles, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), telematics and software-driven diagnostics, the legislation addresses growing concerns and existing barriers regarding fair access to repair information.

Key provisions of the REPAIR Act include:

• Consumer choice and access. Guarantees that vehicle owners, independent repair facilities and parts manufacturers have access to diagnostic data, tools and software necessary for safe maintenance and repairs.
• Fair competition. Prevents automakers from monopolizing repair information and services, allowing independent businesses to compete on a level playing field.
• Cybersecurity and safety protections. Ensures access to vehicle repair data is secure and does not compromise vehicle safety or cybersecurity.
• Safety and compliance. Ensures access to critical repair data and tools needed to properly calibrate and restore brake systems, ADAS technologies and other essential safety features, returning vehicles to their operational specifications and in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety and emissions laws, regulations and standards.

Read the full report here.