The Kansas House of Representatives is considering an anti-steering bill that would require insurers to notify claimants that they have the right to choose a repairer of their choice. Bob Smith, president of Storm Appraisal & Management Service, has lobbied for the bill.

House Bill 2653 bill states that once a vehicle owner has chosen a repair facility, the insurer cannot attempt to influence that decision. It also says that insurers cannot limit or discount the amount that it pays for a repair on the basis that the repair would have cost less if it had been made at an insurer-specified shop.

Another requirement of the bill is that all damage appraisals must notify consumers of their rights in boldfaced type: “NOTICE UNDER KANSAS LAW, THE CONSUMER AND/OR LESSEE HAS THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THE REPAIR FACILITY TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THEIR MOTOR VEHICLE. NO ONE SHALL USE INTIMIDATION OR COERCIVE TACTICS TO ALTER THE OWNER’S CHOICE.” Any evidence of proof of financial responsibility or security concerning any insurance policy of insurance issued in Kansas must also include the notification.

The bill is under consideration in the Transportation Committee, which referred the bill to its subcommittee for Insurance and Financial Institutions.