The California State Senate unanimously approved a bill that would add to the "Consumer Bill of Rights" the right of a claimant to obtain an estimate of repairs independent of the insurer. Assembly Bill 1179, legislation requested by the Collision Repair Association of California (CRA), now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his consideration.
"One benefit to this bill is that the CRA was able to demonstrate to lawmakers how some insurers try to convince the claimant to accept an insurer's damage assessment as a settlement without obtaining a more accurate estimate of repairs from an automotive repair dealer," says Allen Wood, CRA executive director. "We are pleased that the State Legislature gave this measure its overwhelming support."
CRA's lobbyist Richard Steffen added, "The bill gave us an opportunity to work with Assemblyman Dave Jones who has proven to be a real consumer champion. We're glad he's a candidate to be California's next insurance commissioner."
The CRA urges its members to write Gov. Schwarzenegger to ask him to sign AB 1179. Write the bill number, AB 1179, on the lower left hand corner of the envelope and address it to: The Honorable Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor, State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814.
