The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) says the major auto body repair and glass issues for 2012 will involve aftermarket parts, labor rates, steering and estimating systems.

“To help control costs and promote customer service, PCI will oppose legislative efforts that would restrict insurers’ ability to make recommendations or suggestions to consumers on individual repair facilities or that would impede insurers’ ability to manage the claim repair process and control costs on behalf of consumers,” PCI said in a press release.

Added Paul Blume, senior vice president of state government relations for PCI, “PCI is committed to advancing a pro-consumer agenda that supports healthy, competitive insurance markets across the nation. In these tough economic times, consumers are best served by measures that address the cost drivers of insurance and provide individuals with choices. Our agenda will also help modernize state regulatory environments and improve insurance marketplaces.”

Another major priority in 2012, PCI said, is no-fault auto insurance due to growing crises in several of the nation’s largest states such as Florida, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. 

“Soaring medical bills, high attorney fees and rampant fraud and abuse are forcing drivers in these states to pay significantly more for auto insurance than they should,” said Blume. “Over the last several years, fraud rings and abuses of the system have cost consumers over $1.6 billion in New York and Florida alone. This amounts to a 'fraud tax' on hardworking citizens, and the cost trends in these states are unsustainable.” 

PCI