Three insurance associations are urging California consumers to vote against Senate Bill 1167, anti-steering legislation introduced by Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa).
The American Insurance Association (AIA), Personal Insurance Federation of California (PIFC), and Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC) have created a Web site – www.caautobodychoice.com – that allows Californians to directly contact their legislators. The insurers’ media campaign also includes radio ads.
“This is a special interest bill for auto body shops that are afraid of informed consumer choice,” said Rex Frazier, president of the Personal Insurance Federation of California (PIFC). “Why are auto body shops afraid to let consumers know which shops provide a better guarantee of repairing work? Consumers should be able to choose any body shop they want following a crash and they also deserve to know whether or not a particular body shop will stand by its work.”
Janine Gibford, AIA assistant vice president, had a similar attitude toward body shops: “Consumers deserve the right to have all information about repair options, including facilities with a proven track record of quality repairs, warranties and a hassle-free claims process. Consumers should not be denied information because some auto body shops are afraid of competition and think that full disclosure will cost them business.”
S.B. 1167 is scheduled to be heard April 2 before the Senate Banking, Insurance and Finance Committee.
