The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) says it supports any effort that would require first- or third-party claimants to receive written disclosure that any damage assessment provided by the insurer is not a written estimate of repair costs, as California’s A.B. 1179 would require.

“We believe this is in the best interest of the consumer because currently, the insurer damage assessments are based only on a ‘visual inspection’ of the damage, and in many cases, a visual inspection alone cannot identify the full extent of actual damage and cost of the repair,” an SCRS release stated. “We contend that only the auto body professional performing the repair is in a position to thoroughly inspect, diagnose and identify the methodology and true cost of the vehicle damage repair.”

A.B. 1179 would require insurers to disclose in writing to claimants that any damage assessment made by the insurer is not a written estimate of repair costs and that only facilities licensed by the state Board of Autobody Repair can write an estimate.

The California Autobody Association (CAA) and Collision Repair Association of California (CRA) both support the bill, which is opposed by several insurance groups.

“Studies show that nearly half of claimants will take the insurer’s damage assessment as reflective of what it costs to repair a damaged vehicle,” said CRA Executive Director Allen Wood. “Unfortunately, one study revealed that the costs on the final invoices were an average 100 percent higher than the guesses by insurers. Too many claimants took the insurer’s check that was based on an insurer’s visual inspection, not one where experts removed parts of the vehicle to identify the full extent of damage.”

A second hearing for A.B. 1179 is slated for next week. Click HERE for more information about the bill.