Wisconsin Steering Bill Dies with Legislative Session
A bill addressing steering, labor rates and estimates, S.B. 118, failed to pass the Wisconsin Senate before the end of its 2009-2010 legislative session. Insurers and repairers in the state debated whether the bill was needed earlier this year, with insurers claiming it would slow down the repair process and supporters of the bill
Maryland Salvage Bill Awaits Governor’s Signature
Fifteen months following the marketplace enactment of the 75 percent salvage threshold in Maryland (S.B. 568), a bill that adds an exclusion to the threshold for “cosmetic damage” and “the cost of towing, storage or vehicle rental” (H.B. 1199) has passed the Maryland House and Senate. The bill, supported by the Washington Metropolitan Auto Body
Massachusetts Bill Would Classify Automotive Repair Shops, Set Hourly Labor Rates
Massachusetts lawmakers are considering two bills S.B. 122 and H.B. 1043 that would regulate the minimum labor rates for body, paint, unibody/frame and mechanical repair shops. The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts and Rhode Island (AASP-MA/RI) supports the legislation. The association says that for over a decade, Massachusetts collision shops have
Missouri Repairers Urged to Show Support for Shop Licensing Bill
A hearing has been scheduled for Missouri S.B. 709, a bill that would create licensing procedures for autobody repair facilities and physical damage appraisers, in Jefferson City, Mo., on Monday, April 12, at 2 p.m. in Senate Lounge. The Automotive Service Association of Missouri and Kansas (ASA MoKan) is urging its members to attend the
CAPA Tour Dispels Myths About Certification Organization
The CAPA sticker is just a way for insurers to legitimize aftermarket crash parts. CAPA-certified parts are actually not tested at all. CAPA just says they are. CAPA doesn’t actually exist. These are just some of the things I had heard about CAPA before visiting Intertek, the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based company that conducts all of
Ford Locks Horns with Insurers, Consumer Advocates Over Part Patent Legislation
Automaker representative says ‘unscrupulous insurers’ spur manufacturing of low-cost ‘copycat parts,’ while consumer advocates tout bill’s support of marketplace competition.
Steering Bill Stirs Debate Among Wisconsin Repairers and Insurers
A bill addressing steering, labor rates and estimates, S.B. 118, is being considered by the Wisconsin Senate, and insurers and repairers are at odds over whether the bill is needed. The bill’s creator, Sen. Pat Kreitlow, says the legislation is meant to protect consumers who feel they’ve been pressured by insurance companies during the claims
Maaco Collision Repair Urges Congress to Support Access To Repair Parts Act
Maaco says legislation would guarantee consumer choice, preserve competition in the automotive aftermarket.
Groups Testify at Crash Parts Patent Legislation Hearing
The U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee Monday heard from consumer advocates and industry experts on the “Access to Repair Parts Act” (H.R. 3059/S.1368) legislation that 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
Right to Repair Coalition Questions NESSARA’s Stance Against Legislation
Coalition says New England shop group is using ‘smoke and mirrors’ to prevent bill’s passage.
Pennsylvania Senator Experiences Steering Firsthand, Calls for Investigation
A Pennsylvania senator who says he experienced insurer steering firsthand has introduced legislation to address the issue. Sen. John C. Rafferty Jr. introduced S.R. 254, which calls on Insurance Commissioner Joel Ario to investigate the practice of steering by insurers in the collision repair industry. The resolution asks that Ario investigate insurer steering in the
Bills Targeting Steering, Labor Rates Introduced in Tennessee
The Tennessee House and Senate are considering twin bills (H.B. 3488/S.B. 3455) targeting insurer steering and labor rates paid to collision repairers. The legislation requires insurers to inform claimants that they have the right to choose facilities to repair damaged vehicles and prohibits insurers from requiring insureds or third-party claimants to use specific businesses for