Massachusetts Labor Rate Commission Releases Recommendations
Massachusetts’ Special Commission on Auto Body Labor Rates, which studied the logistics, benefits and cost of developing an auto body repair labor rate system, has recommended giving “managed competition” in the state’s auto insurance industry six more months before any legislative action is taken to set collision repair labor rates. “As soon as the data
California Department of Insurance Proposes Rules to Strengthen Anti-Steering Law
The California Department of Insurance (DOI) has released its proposed changes to the state’s anti-steering statute. The proposed rules would prevent an insurer from discussing DRPs or an alternative facility if the claimant informs the insurer that he or she has selected a specific repair facility. The rules would also prevent an insurer from raising
Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association Backs Repair Clause Legislation
The Wisconsin Automotive Parts Association (WAPA) has joined the Quality Parts Coalition’s (QPC) effort to enact “repair clause” legislation championed by Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) in the 110th Congress, which the QPC claims will secure the future of the American independent repair industry. The legislation would create an exemption for design patent infringement liability for
Insurance Group Testifies Against Setting Labor Rates at Final Massachusetts Hearing
The special commission studying the logistics, benefits and cost of developing an auto body repair labor rate system in Massachusetts held its second and final public hearing Nov. 13. The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified at the hearing that setting labor rates would be “a major step backwards in the effort to reform the private
Michigan Bill Banning Insurer-Owned Shops Passes House
Michigan’s insurer-owned repair shop legislation (H.B. 4778) has passed the House of Representatives. The bill, introduced in May 2007, would ban insurance companies from owning repair facilities in Michigan. The legislation would also prohibit insurers from developing a list of preferred shops or in any other way conveying to an insured information regarding which repair
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Twin Potato Chip Trucks Crunch on Carolina Highway
Two Frito Lay delivery trucks traveling in opposite directions recently collided on a highway in Georgetown County, South Carolina, in a fender-bender that couldn’t “eat just one” potato chip…truck. Luckily, nobody was seriously injured in the Oct. 11 accident. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that a Frito Lay delivery truck traveling northbound on Highway
‘Right to Repair’ Passes New Jersey Assembly
The New Jersey Assembly passed the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (A.B. 803) Monday by a vote of 49 in favor, 22 against and 8 abstaining. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Introduced by Assemblyman Reid Gusciora (D-Mercer), the legislation is designed to ensure that New Jersey independent repair shops
Congress Passes Intellectual Property Enforcement Legislation Without Parts Exemption
The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed S.B. 3325 (Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. and Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.), legislation on intellectual property rights enforcement, without language from Rep. Zoe Lofgren’s (D-Calif.) bill, H.R. 5638, which would have created an exception from infringement for certain component parts used to repair articles of manufacture, including automobiles. The exemption
California Anti-Steering Bill Vetoed
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed S.B. 1167, an anti-steering bill that would have required insurers to ask policyholders if they’ve chosen a repair shop prior to suggesting one. Schwarzenegger said due to a delay in passing the state’s 2008-2009 budget and the fact that the bill is not of “the highest priority” to the state,
Parts Invoice Bill Vetoed in California
This week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed A.B. 2825 (Assemblywoman Wilma Carter, D-62nd), which would have required repairers to give customers wholesale invoices for crash parts that cost $50 or more and mandates that estimates and final invoices contain a disclosure that parts switching is illegal. The Center for Auto Safety, Consumer Action and Consumers Union
California Capping Bill Signed into Law
Over the weekend, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed S.B. 1371 (Sen. Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana), legislation designed to limit the insurance company practice of placing “caps,” arbitrary limits, on reimbursements for collision repairs. The bill, which will become law Jan. 1, 2009, was backed by the California Autobody Association (CAA). Introduced in February, S.B. 1371