Three insurance associations are urging California consumers to vote
against Senate Bill 1167, anti-steering legislation introduced by Sen.
Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa).

The American Insurance Association (AIA), Personal Insurance Federation
of California (PIFC), and Association of California Insurance Companies
(ACIC) have created a Web site – www.caautobodychoice.com – that allows Californians to directly contact their legislators. The insurers’ media campaign also includes radio ads.

“This is a special interest bill for auto body shops that are afraid of
informed consumer choice,” said Rex Frazier, president of the Personal
Insurance Federation of California (PIFC). “Why are auto body shops
afraid to let consumers know which shops provide a better guarantee of
repairing work? Consumers should be able to choose any body shop they
want following a crash and they also deserve to know whether or not a
particular body shop will stand by its work.”

Janine Gibford, AIA assistant vice president, had a similar attitude
toward body shops: “Consumers deserve the right to have all information
about repair options, including facilities with a proven track record
of quality repairs, warranties and a hassle-free claims process.
Consumers should not be denied information because some auto body shops
are afraid of competition and think that full disclosure will cost them
business.”

S.B. 1167 is scheduled to be heard April 2 before the Senate Banking, Insurance and Finance Committee.