Texas Department of Insurance Issues Warning to Insurers on Steering
The Texas Department of Insurance (DOI) recently issued a bulletin to insurance companies reminding them of their responsibilities to claimants regarding payment for damage to motor vehicles and the selection of a repair person or facility in accordance with the law. Section 1952.301 of the Texas Insurance Code (TIC) specifies that an insurer may not
Glass, Collision Reps Speak Out on Steering at NCOIL Meeting
Insurer steering was up for debate at the latest meeting of the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) as its Property-Casualty Insurance Committee discussed a proposed Model Act Regarding Insurer Autobody Steering. Glass repair company Belron US said the legislation unfairly targets shops that have contracts with insurers, while the Automotive Service Association believes the
Anti-Steering Bill Introduced in Ohio
The Ohio House of Representatives is considering a bill, H.B. 527, that would prohibit auto insurers from "requiring, recommending or suggesting" that a claimant have a vehicle repaired at a particular repair shop or by a particular person unless the claimant requests a recommendation or suggestion. The bill’s author, Rep. Raymond Pryor, told Columbus newspaper
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 –
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
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
Anti-Steering Bill Introduced in Mississippi House
The Mississippi House is considering a bill, H.B. 390, that would prohibit insurers from requiring claimants to use specific shops for repairs. The bill, introduced last week, would make it illegal for insurers or adjusters to: • Accept or solicit gifts or referral fees in exchange for referring insureds to a particular automotive repair facility
GUEST EDITORIAL: What’s So Bad About Steering?
My shop actually benefits from steering and would probably be out of business without it. So what’s the big deal?
State Farm Responds to California Repairers’ Allegations of Steering
State Farm has come out and denied allegations of steering by a group of Northern California body shops that met Nov. 12 to discuss the possibility of filing a class-action lawsuit against the nation’s No. 1 auto insurer. Bob Devereux, public affairs assistant manager for State Farm California Media Relations, specifically addressed G&C Autobody owner