PCI Testifies Before Senate on Aftermarket Parts
The availability of aftermarket parts for use in collision repair keeps auto replacement parts prices competitive and saves consumers billions of dollars in insurance costs, according to testimony delivered today by the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). Testifying before a Senate Judiciary Committee staff briefing today on alternative collision repair parts, PCI Senior
Rhode Island Appraisal Bill Moves to Senate
Last week, the Rhode Island House passed H.B. 5892, which would make it an unfair claims practice for an insurer to fail to have an independent vehicle appraisal when damage exceeds $2,000. It would also make it an unfair claims practice for an insurer to fail to perform a supplemental appraisal inspection of a vehicle
Federal Bill Would Loosen Restrictions on Crash Part Patents
Aftermarket parts proponents are again pushing for repair clause legislation that would loosen patent laws for visible crash parts. Legislation introduced in Congress June 25 would amend U.S. patent code so that it wouldn’t be an act of design patent infringement to manufacture or distribute alternative repair parts for the purpose of repairing a vehicle
California Associations Unhappy with Amended Anti-Steering Bill
California A.B. 1200, a widely debated bill that would alter the state’s anti-steering code, was amended ahead of a public hearing for the bill slated for July 1. As amended, the bill would authorize insurers, during the claims process, to provide claimants with specific “truthful and nondeceptive information regarding services and benefits available” to them.
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Program to Kick Off July 1
The "Cash for Clunkers" program will launch July 1 following the passage of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act last week. The $1-billion program will provide consumers with cash vouchers to purchase new, more fuel-efficient vehicles after getting rid of less-efficient “clunkers” and will last until November. The program should allow about 250,000
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Bill Moves to Senate
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Cash for Clunkers” bill on Tuesday, sending the legislation to the Senate. The $4-billion bill would provide consumers with cash vouchers to purchase new, more fuel-efficient vehicles after getting rid of less-efficient “clunkers.” To be eligible, the bill states a “clunker” must get 18 mpg or less in
New Oregon Law Mandates Estimates, Repair Authorizations
Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski has signed H.B. 2268, which requires vehicle repair shops to prepare a cost estimate before beginning repair work, into law. The bill also requires repairers to obtain repair authorization from the vehicle owner if the estimate is more than $200 and gives the vehicle owner the right to waive a repair
New Law Opens Nevada Salvage Sales to Public
Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons signed S.B. 306 into law May 29. The bill opens salvage vehicle sales to the public and also increases the time insurers are given to obtain salvage titles. Specifically, the legislation: • Authorizes a person other than an auto wrecker, dealer of new or used motor vehicles or rebuilder to obtain
California Anti-Steering Bill Moves to Senate
California A.B. 1200, which would allow insurers to discuss benefits offered by their companies any time during the claims process, was passed by the State Assembly Monday. The bill, which was amended from its original version (click HERE for more information), would add the following to the California Insurance Code anti-steering statute: Nothing in this
Nevada Considers Opening Salvage Sales to Public
The Nevada Assembly yesterday passed S.B. 360, a bill that would allow people other than auto wreckers, dealers or rebuilders to purchase salvage vehicles. The bill also would increase the time insurers are given to obtain salvage titles. The bill will now be considered by the Senate for a second time after revisions by the
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Federal Regulation of Insurance
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services’ Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance and Government Sponsored Enterprises last week held a hearing addressing how the federal government should oversee the regulation of the insurance industry. Rep. Paul Kanjorski, D-Pa., subcommittee chairman, opened the hearing with a statement that reflected the growing interest in the
California Assembly Insurance Committee Backs Amended Anti-Steering Bill
The California Assembly’s Insurance Committee has unanimously recommended the passage of A.B. 1200, a bill that would allow insurers to discuss benefits offered by their companies during any part of the claims process. Originally, the bill would have added the following to the California Insurance Code’s anti-steering statute: Nothing in this section prohibits an insurer