Automotive Parts and Service Association of Illinois Joins QPC in Support of H.R. 5638
The Automotive Parts and Service Association (APSA) of Illinois today joined the Quality Parts Coalition (QPC) in support of H.R. 5638, sponsored by Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.). Introduced in March 2008, the bill would amend Title 35, U.S. Code (Patents) to provide design patent exemption for alternative repair parts used for the purpose of repairing
Missouri Anti-Steering Bill Stalls But Will Be Revived in ’09
While the Missouri Senate Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee passed Senate Bill 775 sponsored by Sen. Wes Shoemyer, the anti-steering bill isn’t likely to move any further since the legislative session ends on May 16. The bill requires insurance carriers to inform auto insurance policyholders on first contact that they can choose any
Class Action Suit Filed Against State Farm for Violation of “Make Whole Rule”
A class action lawsuit was filed today in United States Federal Court, Central District, alleging that State Farm is enriching itself with payments rightfully belonging to its insureds in violation of California law, particularly the "Make Whole Rule." When State Farm policyholder Stuart Chandler of Fresno, Calif., was rear-ended, his personal automobile insurance policy entitled
Iowa Bill to Create Consumer Advocate Bureau in State
A bill that will create a consumer advocate bureau in Iowa was recently signed into law by Gov. Chet Culver. The bill, House File 2555, deals with a number of issues relating to the Iowa Insurance Department. Under the text of the bill, the consumer advocate bureau will be "responsible for ensuring fair treatment of
New EPA Rule to Impact Body Shops
A new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule, "40 CFR Part 63 Subpart HHHHHH, National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Paint Stripping and Miscellaneous Surface Coating Operations at Area Sources," applies to all body shops and to many other small shops that paint metal and/or plastic parts. It also includes separate requirements for businesses that
Protesters Speak Out Against Roof Crush Safety Proposal
Protesters rallied outside of the Department of Transportation Building in Washington, D.C., recently to protest a roof crush safety proposal which they believe will do little to save lives in automobiles that roll over. Rollovers make up less than 5 percent of all crashes, but 25 percent of all vehicle fatalities are from rollovers - exactly 10,000 every year,
Connecticut Right to Choose Shop Bill Approved by Senate
A Connecticut bill that would require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles was approved by the state’s Senate last week. House Bill 5152 will now go to Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell for final approval. If passed, the bill would require
Minnesota Bill Prohibiting Estimating Database Manipulation Signed by Governor
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed into law legislation proposed by the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers, Minnesota (AASP-MN) on May 8. Senate File 3508/House File 3822 prohibits insurers from unilaterally and arbitrarily disregarding a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system. The legislation will become effective on August 1, 2008. Minnesota Statutes
Minnesota Passes Estimating Systems Bill
The Minnesota House recently passed a bill that will require insurance companies to use the agreed upon estimating systems in their entirety when calculating collision damage. Senate File 3508 adds to a laundry list of prohibited insurer actions the following language: "unilaterally and arbitrarily disregard a repair operation or cost identified by an estimating system,
California Legislators Considering Four Collision Repair Bills
Four bills affecting collision repair in California remain alive in the state legislature. Here’s a breakdown: 1. The full state Senate will vote on Senate Bill 1059 (Sen. Carole Migden, D-San Francisco), sponsored by the Collision Repair Association of California, sometime during the second or third week of May. Collision repair trade associations and consumer