Right to Repair Legislation Goes to House Subcommittee in OR

The Oregon Senate recently voted 23-4 to pass SB 523, a watered-down bill that requires insurance companies to inform customers they have the right to choose an automotive repair facility.

Originally, the bill, which was introduced by Democratic Senator Floyd Prozanski of Eugene, Ore., 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.

The bill does retain some strong language though. If the customer uses a shop recommended by the insurer, the insurer must provide printed correspondence saying that it recommended a repair shop. If the customer agrees to use that shop, then the insured's vehicle will receive repairs returning it to a pre loss condition.

If the insured has their repairs done at a shop other than the ones recommended, the insurer cannot limit the cost of repairs necessary to return the vehicle to the pre loss condition.

The bill is slated for the House subcommittee. If it's passed, it will go to the House floor and then to Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski.