New Hampshire Glass Shops Exempt

A new bill currently before the New Hampshire House Commerce and Consumer Affairs committee would require an insurer to reimburse a repairer for all repairs only if the repairer follows an original equipment manufacturer recommended collision repair procedures. Oh, and there’s an exception – the law would not apply to auto glass repair and replacement companies.

The following section of text is included in the new bill, also referred to as H664-FN:

“Vehicle Repair Standards. An insurer shall reimburse a repairer for all repairs if a repairer follows original equipment manufacturer recommended collision repair procedures, recommendations, or service bulletins while repairing a vehicle.”

The bill also exempts vehicle glass repair and replacement services including, but not limited to, the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), when done by an automobile glass company. It does apply to ADAS work done by collision repair companies. H664-FN mentions auto glass businesses should notify customers after repairs involving calibrations.

According to the bill, a fiscal note is included that directly impacts insurance companies.

FISCAL IMPACT: [ X ] State [ ] County [ ] Local [ ] None

The bill also mentions the possibility of an influx of complaints surrounding this piece of legislation and provided insight on how the department would try to solve the issue.

“The Insurance Department indicates this bill would lead to an increase in complaints from repair facilities questioning insurers’ adherence to the statute. The Department is unable to predict the volume of additional queries and complaints, but believes it could be enough to require an additional staff position,” a portion of the bill reads.

To view the bill’s full text, click here.

If passed, the new bill will take effect 60 days after.