Section 133.04 - Determination of Damage and Cost of Repair(1) Appraisers shall specify that damaged parts be repaired rather than replaced unless: the part is damaged beyond repair, or the cost of repair exceeds the cost of replacement with a part of like kind and quality, or the operational safety of the vehicle might otherwise be impaired. When it is determined that a part must be replaced, a rebuilt, aftermarket or used part of like kind and quality shall be used in the appraisal unless: (a) the operational safety of the vehicle might otherwise be impaired;(b) reasonable and diligent efforts to locate the appropriate rebuilt, aftermarket or used part have been unsuccessful;(c) a new originale quipment part of like kind and quality is available and will result in the lowest overall repair cost;(d) for vehicles insured under policies written on or before December 31, 2003, the vehicle has been used no more than 15,000 miles unless the pre-accident condition warrants otherwise; or.(e) for vehicles insured under policies written or renewed on or after January 1, 2004, the vehicle has been used no more than 20,000 miles unless the pre-accident condition warrants otherwise. A part is of like kind and quality when it is of equal or better condition than the pre-accident part.
(2) When an insurance company specifies the use of used, rebuilt, or aftermarket parts, the source and specific part(s) must be indicated on the appraisal. If the repairer uses the source and specified part(s) indicated on the appraisal and these parts are later determined by both parties to be unfit for use in the repair, the insurance company shall be responsible for the costs of restoring the parts to usable condition. If both parties agree that a specified part is unfit and must be replaced, the insurer shall be responsible for replacement costs such as freight and handling unless the repair shop is responsible for the part(s) being unfit, or unless the insurer and repairer otherwise agree. As to such costs, nothing in 211 CMR 133.00 shall preclude an insurer from exercising any available rights of recovery against the supplier.(3) Damage to motor vehicle glass shall be repaired rather than replaced if: (a) damage to the windshield is outside the critical viewing area, which is that area covered by the sweep of the wipers originally provided by the vehicle manufacturer, exclusive of the outer two inches within the perimeter of that sweep; and(b) damage to the glass is minor, including, but not limited to, a crack less than six inches in length and stone breaks or bruises, bulls eyes and star breaks less than one inch in diameter; and(c) the repair will not impair the operational safety of the motor vehicle. Insurers shall use reasonable efforts to ensure that, before any decision is made to replace glass, the damage is inspected to determine whether is it suitable for repair.