It was evident by the way CARSTAR CEO Dick Cross bypassed the stairs to the stage and leapt up onto it instead that this year’s annual CARSTAR conference was going to be a high-energy affair. The leader of the largest group of independently owned and operated auto body repair stores...
California – California Senate Bill 1059, which would have made it unlawful for any insurer to require the installation of an aftermarket part for the first three years of the vehicle’s life as well as restrict the ability of insurers to replace a part with a lower priced replacement part...
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) is urging independent automotive repairers in Michigan to contact their state senators in response to the proposed increase of the mini-tort law to $1,500, allowing drivers to seek more damages from at-fault motorists after a crash. State Rep. Tim Melton introduced the proposal, Michigan H.B....
Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell has signed a bill that will require disclosure to consumers that they have the right to choose the repair facility to complete repairs to their motor vehicles in the state. House Bill 5152 (now Public Act No. 08-146), which will go into effect January 1,...
Federal – Reps. David Scott (D-Ga.) and Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) have introduced H.R. 5611, the National Association of Registered Agents & Brokers Reform Act (NARAB II). The bill aims to modernize the current system of insurance agent licensing as it applies to those who are registered in multiple states. If...
Starting on Oct. 1, 2008, Maryland repair shops will be required to add a new consumer disclosure to invoices if customers request it. Maryland House Bill 1057 was signed into law by the governor in May and added the new requirement to Commercial Law 14-1002. The bill mandates that before...
California Senate Bill 1059, which would have made it unlawful for any insurer to require the installation of an aftermarket part for the first three years of the vehicle’s life as well as restrict the ability of insurers to replace a part with a lower priced replacement part during this...
Following extensive debate, a Massachusetts legislative committee has approved legislation (House Bill 296) that will provide independent repair shops the same access to diagnostic repair information and tools that car companies make available to their franchised dealers. The Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure voted to report the...
The Auto Body Association of Connecticut (ABAC) today announced that it won a significant victory in its pending lawsuit against The Hartford Fire Insurance Company, with the Connecticut Supreme Court unanimously upholding a lower court certification of the class action. ABAC, along with three Connecticut auto body repair shops, allege...
