For Immediate Release
Contact: Lee Hudson
800-353-1274
Lee.Hudson@qualitypartscoalition.com


PROPERTY CASUALTY INSURERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SUPPORTS GROUPS’ TESTIMONY
FOR A PATENT “REPAIR CLAUSE”
Consumer Federation of America Testifies for Competition at IP Subcommittee Hearing

WASHINGTON – February 15, 2008 – The U.S. House Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet,
and Intellectual Property Subcommittee heard testimony yesterday from the Consumer
Federation of America (CFA), in conjunction with Public Citizen, Consumers Union, the Center
for Auto Safety and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. CFA and the safety and consumer
advocates urged Congress to maintain competition in the replacement crash parts industry.
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) supports the preservation of this
industry that for more than 60 years has offered consumers a safe, alternative choice when it
comes to auto repair.

Without competition and an alternative choice for repair parts when repairing a damaged
vehicle, auto manufacturers will increase prices on crash parts. This monopoly will cost the
insurance industry approximately $1 billion per year in additional costs for auto body parts. The
increased costs will be reflected in higher premiums for policyholders.

“For more than 60 years, insurance companies and consumers have had a choice when
purchasing parts to repair a damaged vehicle,” stated John Hair, federal government relations
specialist of PCI. “Insurance companies typically request alternative aftermarket repair parts to
repair vehicles back to pre-loss condition. These high-quality, less-expensive parts benefit
insurers and consumers.”

A “repair clause” will protect Americans in the aftermarket crash parts market, keeping
insurance premiums and costs reasonable.

PCI is the nation's premier property casualty trade association, representing more than 1,000
member companies. PCI advocates its members' public policy positions at four levels: federal
government, state legislatures, federal and state courthouses and the public arena, and
provides members with targeted industry information.

For more information about PCI visit www.pciaa.net