The statute’s existing provisions on auto claims are also worth noting for context. Virginia already requires that motor vehicle damage appraisals be based on a personal inspection by a representative of the repair facility or a representative of the insurer making the appraisal, though insurers are permitted to prepare an initial repair appraisal from photographs, videos, or electronically transmitted digital imagery. Insurers cannot, however, require a vehicle owner to submit photographs, videos, or electronically transmitted digital imagery as a condition of an appraisal. When after market parts are used in a repair estimate, insurers must disclose that in writing and state that parts used in the repair by other than the original manufacturer are required to be at least equal in like kind and quality in terms of fit, quality, and performance to the original manufacturer parts they are replacing. The statute defines an after market part as an automobile part not made by the original equipment manufacturer that is a sheet metal or plastic part generally constituting the exterior of a motor vehicle, including inner and outer panels. The law also prohibits payment to an insurer or its representative by a repair facility, or acceptance by an insurer or its representative from a repair facility, of any kickback, rebate, commission, thing of value, or other consideration in connection with appraisal services.
