2024- 2025 Legislative Efforts
The Auto Body Association of Texas’ number one priority is and always will be consumer safety. Sometimes that safety is physical and sometimes it is protection of their rights. We stand up for shops and the consumer alike to make sure that auto body repair is safe, proper and fair.
Here is what we are working on at the capitol:
The Fair Appraisal Bill addresses the consumers’ right to a fair appraisal in the instance that a body shop and an insurance company cannot agree on the terms of a repair bill. The consumer has a right to hire and appraiser who will work with the insurance company’s appraiser to come to an agreement. Two Insurance companies in Texas have submitted policies that OMIT the customer’s right to invoke their right appraisal. We are working to preserve this right for Texas consumers.
The Safe Auto Repair Bill, addresses many issues repairers face but mostly the need for reimbursement for following OEM procedures, and the safety of aftermarket parts. This is NOT an anti-aftermarket bill- we just want these parts to be safety tested and truly be of “like kind quality” as it pertains to fit, finish, function, and above all else- crashworthiness. The bill also addresses steering, database manipulation and the insurers’ disregard of repair operations or procedures outlined in the estimating system or Procedure Pages.
Right to Appraisal Data and Overview
The need for the Texas mandatory Right to Appraisal for the insured has never been more critical than it is today. In the last several months, Progressive and Home State County Mutual Insurance have submitted policy change applications to the Texas Department of Insurance, requesting approval to remove the right to appraisal for repair procedure disputes from their policies. Many general agencies, such as Kemper, Aspen, and Direct General, write coverage under Home State County Mutual. Progressive and Home State County Mutual rescinded their application request this past week.
Read More in Our Featured Post
Texas Auto Body PAC
ABAT has formed the Texas Auto Body Political Action Committee. This PAC will further our legislative efforts by hiring lobbyists and supporting candidates who support HB1321. Please consider donating today.
Dallas Lawyer Todd Tracy Publicly Thanks The Auto Body Association of Texas
Attorney Todd Tracy, the lawyer that represented the owners of a Honda Fit in the high-profile case in Dallas, TX, Applauds the Auto Body Association of Texas for it’s commitment to safety. Mr. Tracy was a spotlight speaker at the Texas Auto Body Trade show speaking to attendees on how to avoid litigation. His full presentation will be available to members of ABAT later this year.