Right to Repair Legislation Goes to House Subcommittee in Oregon

The Oregon House Committee on Consumer Protection reviewed a bill yesterday that would require insurance companies to inform customers that they have the right choose an automotive repair facility, including glass shops. The bill, SB 523, which encompasses glass shops, already passed in the Oregon Senate with a vote of 23-4. The bill will now go to the House for a vote, according to Steve Dickson, administrator for the House Consumer Protection committee.

As originally introduced the bill barred insurers from suggesting a repair shop unless the insured requested a recommendation. The insurance lobby had that provision removed after a hearing in March.

Despite some language being altered, the bill still has some strength to it. If the bill is passed, it will require insurers to provide printed correspondence saying that it recommended a shop when a customer uses a shop that it has recommended. If the customer agrees to use that shop, then the insured's vehicle will receive repairs returning it to a pre-loss condition, under the language of the bill. The bill also states that if the insured has his repairs done at a shop other than those recommended, the insurer cannot limit the cost of repairs necessary to return the vehicle to the pre-loss condition.

If the House passes the bill, it will go to Gov. Ted Kulongoski, D-Ore, for final approval.

CLICK HERE to view the bill.