Illinois Collision Repair Laws

1. Automotive Collision Repair Act (815 ILCS 308/1 et seq.)

🔹 Requires written estimates before work begins.
🔹 Repairs cannot exceed the estimate by more than 10% without customer approval.
🔹 Repairs must be authorized before work starts.
🔹 Customers must receive a detailed invoice upon completion.
🔹 Repair shops must keep records for at least two years.
🔹 Any warranties on parts or labor must be provided in writing.
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2. Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 505/1 et seq.)

🔹 Prohibits misleading or deceptive practices in automotive repair.
🔹 Protects consumers from unfair business practices in repair transactions.
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3. Insurance Regulations – Paint & Material Caps (215 ILCS 5/154.6)

🔹 Insurance companies CANNOT impose unreasonable limits on paint and materials in repair estimates.
🔹 Claims must be settled based on fair and reasonable costs.
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4. Insurance Regulations – Use of Aftermarket (Non-OEM) Parts (215 ILCS 5/155.29)

🔹 Written disclosure required if non-OEM parts are specified.
🔹 All non-OEM parts must be clearly identified in the estimate.
🔹 Estimate must include this required statement:

"This estimate has been prepared based on the use of crash parts supplied by a source other than the manufacturer of your motor vehicle. Warranties applicable to these replacement parts are provided by the manufacturer or distributor of these parts rather than the manufacturer of your vehicle."
🔹 Non-OEM parts must be permanently marked with the manufacturer's logo or brand name.
🔹 Parts must be equal in fit, quality, and performance to OEM parts.
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5. Third-Party Claims – Protection from Non-OEM Parts (Illinois Administrative Code, Title 50, Section 919.80(d)(5))

🔹 Insurance companies CANNOT force a third-party claimant (someone filing a claim against another driver’s insurance) to accept non-OEM parts.
🔹 Non-OEM parts can only be used with the vehicle owner’s written consent.
🔹 All replacement parts must:

  • Be clearly identified in the estimate.

  • Have permanent manufacturer markings when possible.

  • Be equal in fit, quality, and performance to OEM parts.
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6. Environmental Regulations for Collision Repair Shops (Illinois EPA)

🔹 Auto body shops must properly handle hazardous waste (paint, solvents, oil, etc.).
🔹 Must comply with air pollution and wastewater regulations.
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