The Connecticut House of Representatives concluded its legislative session last week without taking action on H.B. 5283, a bill that would have required insureds to disclose the insured’s right to choose where auto repair or replacement work will be performed.
The bill stated that an insurance company, agent or adjuster must not:
• Require any insured to use a specific person for the provision of automobile physical damage repairs, automobile glass replacement, automobile glass repair service or automobile glass products.
• Refer or route any insured directly or indirectly to a third-party adjuster or third-party claims administrator for claims or questions regarding automobile physical damage repairs, automobile glass replacement, automobile glass repair service or automobile glass products, without requiring the insured to contact directly the insured’s insurance company first.
• Guarantee or warranty the repair or replacement work performed by a licensed repair shop or facility for auto physical damage repairs or glass replacement and repair.
• Impose a monetary advantage or penalty for such repair or replacement work that could affect an insured’s choice of a repair shop or facility, including, but not limited to, lowering or waiving the insured’s deductible under the insured’s policy.
• State that choosing a facility other than a motor vehicle repair shop participating in a motor vehicle repair program established by such company will result in delays in repairing the motor vehicle or a lack of guarantee for repair work.
Further, the bill states that insurance companies must inform the insured that he or she has the right to choose the licensed repair shop or facility where the damage to the insured’s motor vehicle will be repaired or auto glass will be repaired or replaced.
More information:
Insurers Challenge Rhode Island’s Anti-Steering Act
California Repairers Unhappy with Amended Anti-Steering Bill
