Tag Archives: Florida

State Farm Accused of Refusing to Pay Adequate Hourly Rates for Luxury Vehicle Repair

State Farm is at the center of a Florida lawsuit alleging that the insurance company refuses to pay for proper and necessary repairs on luxury vehicles, such as Porsche. According to the class action complaint filed on May 18, the … Continue reading

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Governor Signs Measure that Kills AOB, Zero-Deductible Status in Florida

The Florida Bill, which prohibits policyholders from entering into assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements for AGRR work, was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday, May 25 and is now law. The new law marks the end of … Continue reading

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Florida Legislature Passes Bill Barring AOB Agreements for AGRR Work

Florida’s SB 1002, which prohibits policyholders from entering into assignment of benefits (AOB) agreements for AGRR work, was approved by the House after its third reading on Tuesday, May 2.  Unless vetoed by the governor, Floridians with insurance policies starting … Continue reading

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Shops in Florida and Virginia Deal with Aftermath of Tornadoes

This past weekend, tornadoes struck Palm Beach Gardens in Florida and Virginia Beach, Va. While no fatalities have been reported in either case, auto glass replacement shops in those areas will likely see an influx of jobs in the coming … Continue reading

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Florida Senate Advances Bill Banning AOB Contracts and More

SB 1002, a bill prohibiting Assignment of Benefit (AOB) contracts for windshield repair and replacement as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration and recalibration, cleared the Florida Senate on Wednesday, April 19. An amendment to the bill, which … Continue reading

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Florida AOB Bills Continue to Expand, Advance Through Committees

Bills that would ban assignment-of-benefits (AOB) agreements for auto glass repair, replacement, and calibration and re-calibration are swiftly making their way through the committee process in both the Florida House and Senate. With both measures, HB 541 and SB 1002, … Continue reading

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Proposed Legislation Would Move State Off Zero Deductible List

While a bill in Florida has been getting a lot of attention because it would do away with the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) many glass shops use to get paid, it’s an amendment to the proposed legislation that could have … Continue reading

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Florida Committees Advance AOB Measures, Add Calibration Amendments

Two pieces of legislation related to the auto glass repair and replacement (AGRR) industry, and more specifically assignment-of-benefit (AOB) contracts, continue to make their way through the Florida legislature. HB 541 and SB 1002, both of which would bar such … Continue reading

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Florida Shop Owner Fights to ‘Save the AOB’

The Florida legislature is taking another look at assignment-of-benefit (AOB) contracts by way of House Bill 541 and Senate Bill 1002. The former would bar vehicle insurance policyholders from entering into AOB contracts with repair shops, including auto glass repair … Continue reading

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Bill Introduced to Florida Senate Barring AOB Contracts for AGRR Work

Senator Linda Stewart (D – Orlando) has introduced legislation to the Florida Senate relating to windshield replacement practices “in an effort to curb excess litigation and protect consumers.” Senate Bill 1002, companion legislation to a similar proposal already at the … Continue reading

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Eleventh Circuit Dismisses Appeal from Geico

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed an appeal from Geico with respect to a Florida judge’s ruling that the insurer could not use the state’s Motor Vehicle Repair Act to bring legal claims against windshield repair shop Glassco … Continue reading

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Florida AOB Agreements in Crosshairs Again

Florida Rep. Philip Griffitts introduced legislation to the state’s House of Representatives that would bar vehicle insurance policyholders from entering into assignment-of-benefit (AOB) contracts with repair shops. HB 541, filed on January 27, would prohibit policyholders from entering into such … Continue reading

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Florida Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of AOB Lawsuits Against Progressive

Florida’s 5th District Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of more than 16 auto glass assignment-of-benefits (AOB) lawsuits against Progressive Insurance last week. With appellants arguing that the insurance provider failed to pay the full amount for windshield replacements, the … Continue reading

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Back to Business in Florida

Florida’s recovery from Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on Wednesday, Sept. 28, continues “feverishly” says the president of an auto glass and calibration operation in Fort Myers. While debris still lines the streets, and many stoplights, as well as hundreds … Continue reading

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Class Action Claims Certified in Lawsuit Against Nissan

A class action lawsuit brought against Nissan North America, Inc. from 2017 alleging a number of its vehicles include a “defect” on their panoramic sunroofs that results in shattering under normal driving conditions continues to make its way through court. … Continue reading

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Driven Brands Acquires Fifth US Auto Glass Brand K&K Glass

Driven Brands Holdings has announced its acquisition of Florida-based K&K Glass. The development marks the fifth U.S. auto glass brand brought under Driven Brands, with former owner of K&K Dan Knowlton saying the acquisition will help the business and its … Continue reading

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Brake Pad Smashes Through Car Windshield on I-75

Florida Highway Patrol tweeted about a semi truck’s brake pad crashing through the windshield of a Nissan SUV. No injuries were reported. Click here to read more.  

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A Chevy Corvette Miraculously Traveled Through Flood Waters Up to Its Windshield in Florida

We’ve seen enough water crossings gone wrong to know that even shallow depths can be problematic for low-slung vehicles. And yet, some people are luckier than others and can make it through even with the most unprepared car. At least, this … Continue reading

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Mets’ Pete Alonso ‘Thankful to be Alive’ After Car Accident, Kicked out Windshield to Escape

New York Mets superstar Pete Alonso was involved in a “brutal” car accident on Sunday. The first baseman, who was driving in Tampa heading to the team’s spring training, said his car flipped over three times. Click here to read … Continue reading

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Hundreds of Sunroofs Spontaneously Exploding

The next time you’re driving, the danger on the road could be right over your head. WESH 2 Investigates has been looking into cases of exploding sunroofs, and spoke exclusively to a Florida man who feels lucky the incident didn’t … Continue reading

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GEICO, Health Care Providers Settle Suit for Underpayments

The auto glass industry isn’t the only one suffering from payment challenges. GEICO General Insurance Co. and a class of health care providers requested a Florida federal court to sign off on a deal March 1 to permit health care … Continue reading

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Florida Man Charged with Hate Crime After Taunting 3 Teens and Smashing Their Car’s Window in ‘Unprovoked’ Attack

Richard Burnham, 58, is charged with three counts of aggravated assault and one count of criminal mischief causing damage of $1,000 or more after “an unprovoked, racially prejudiced attack on a car occupied by three high school students at a gas … Continue reading

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Florida Man Shoots Out His Own Windows in Road Rage Video

Newly uncovered dashcam footage from a Florida road rage incident shows a man firing a handgun multiple times, shattering his own side window and windshield as he drives. The driver, 30-year-old Eric Popper, is awaiting trial on two felony charges, including … Continue reading

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Pipe Smashes Through Car Windshield, Narrowly Missing Florida Driver

Loose debris from vehicles is a serious problem on central Florida’s highways. The FHP says both commercial drivers and the rest of us need to take care when preparing for a move or a trip. Click here to read more.

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Size Does Matter, Windshield Size That Is

When it comes to windshields, size does matter. A windshield that is 71 inches tall and 104 inches wide will require more than one technician to complete the replacement process safely. “I’ve been doing RV glass for the past 35 … Continue reading

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Allstate v. Auto Glass America Dismissed in Florida

The case of Allstate v. Auto Glass America was dismissed Friday in Florida. A settlement hearing with Judge Daniel C. Irick was held Sept. 28. Allstate v. Auto Glass America was a two-year battle in court that began with Allstate … Continue reading

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Oh, My Aching Back! Look Who Else Deals with Short pays

The glass industry isn’t the only one to deal with insurance short pays. Chiropractors do, too. On September 22, a Florida federal judge certified a class of health care providers to pursue claims that GEICO has engaged in a practice … Continue reading

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Allstate v. Auto Glass America to Settle Lawsuit

It’s all going away. More than two years of litigation ended Sept. 29 with the signature of a Florida judge in the case of Allstate v. Auto Glass America and its owner Charles Isaly. The case was dismissed with prejudice, … Continue reading

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Consumer Protection Coalition, National Insurance Crime Bureau Take on AOB Auto Glass Abuse

Working together, the Consumer Protection Coalition (CPC) and National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) have released two new video public service announcements (PSAs) warning consumers about Assignment of Benefits (AOB) auto glass fraud and abuse. Available in English and Spanish, the … Continue reading

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Midwest Company Expands In Florida

City Auto Glass (CAG) has a strong reputation spanning across several states, including Minnesota, western Wisconsin, northern Iowa, and most recently, mobile locations in central and southern Florida. Two of the company’s representatives share insight on future company expansion, mobile … Continue reading

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Digital Honor Wall Highlights Veterans

The men and women who have served or are serving in the military are recognized for their sacrifice and hard work. This year, K&K Glass, which has several locations in Florida, tried something new and has put up a Veterans’ … Continue reading

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Florida’s Senate Introduces AOB Bill for the Second Time

The state of Florida has introduced assignment of benefit (AOB) legislation for the second time after it was defeated in the Senate Banking and Insurance Subcommittee last year on a split 4-4 vote. The proposed legislation, also known as S312 … Continue reading

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Florida AOB Legislation Dies in Committee

Florida’s Senate Banking and Insurance committee meeting ended in a split four-to-four vote on proposed legislation that proponents claimed would help decrease alleged auto glass repair and replacement fraud. The bill, discussed in yesterday’s meeting, sought to prohibit auto glass … Continue reading

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Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Repair Center in Florida

The Boyd Group Inc. (the Boyd Group) announced the opening of a collision repair center in Daytona Beach, Fla. The location previously housed a dealership collision repair center before closing in 2017. “The opening of this location enhances our established … Continue reading

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Hurricane Dorian And Tips Shops Should Know

Hurricane Dorian is expected to impact portions of the Bahamas and several areas, including West Palm Beach, in Florida, as early as tomorrow, according to NBC News. Many auto glass shops in the area have started preparing, with one offering … Continue reading

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Florida CFO Pushes for More AOB Reform Awareness

“The auto glass version of assignment of benefits (AOB) has got to be dealt with,” said Jimmy Patronis, chief financial officer for the state of Florida. The concern over AOB has been a growing for insurers in Florida over the … Continue reading

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Novus® Glass Welcomes New Franchisees

Novus Glass (Novus) announced its new franchisees, Paige and Trey Solms. Opening the first location in the Daytona, Fla., area, the Solms will service Volusia, Flagler and the City of Palm Coast. For a former U.S. active Army serviceman, graduate … Continue reading

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Geico Files Complaint Against Shazam Auto Glass, LLC and Owner for Fraud

Geico Insurance Co. (Geico) has filed a federal lawsuit in Florida against Shazam Auto Glass, LLC, (Shazam) and its owner, Sean Martineau. The insurance company alleges Shazam and Martineau are responsible for a “fraudulent scheme” that included falsifying windshield replacement … Continue reading

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Sunshine State’s New Law Goes into Effect July 1st

Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed an assignment of benefits (AOB) reform bill into law. The legislation, also referred to as H7065, originally included auto glass but after going through several revisions both the Senate and the House excluded the … Continue reading

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Policyholder Sues First Acceptance Insurance Co.

First Acceptance Insurance Co. (FAI) is headed to a Florida courtroom following a filed class action lawsuit from one of its policy holders. Derrick McGowan alleges AI “systematically underpaid thousands of its insureds by not paying for state and local … Continue reading

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Auto Glass America Seeks To Extend Lawsuit Timeline Against Allstate

Allstate’s lawsuit against Auto Glass America LLC of Florida (AGA) and its owner, Charles Isaly continues, over AGA allegedly pressuring Allstate’s insureds to choose their company for windshield replacements. AGA and Isaly have responded to the insurance company’s motion to … Continue reading

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Florida Senate Bill Related to AOBs Moves Forward, But Without Auto Glass

A Florida Senate bill that aims to revise the state’s laws related to assignments of benefits (AOBs) has passed the Rules Committee with a vote of 11-6 and now moves to the full Senate for review. While both the bill, … Continue reading

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Florida House Alters Bill to Exclude Windshield Replacements

The Florida House of Representatives has excluded vehicle windshields from a recent bill concerning assignment of benefits (AOB). The bill, also known as HB 7065 was initially introduced in mid-March of this year. According to News 4 Jacksonville, the bill … Continue reading

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Allstate Responds to Auto Glass America’s Motion to Dismiss

The legal battle between Allstate, Auto Glass America LLC of Florida (AGA) and its owner, Charles Isaly continues, as the insurance company has filed a response to the motion to dismiss that was filed by the auto glass company and … Continue reading

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Florida Bill Moves Forward – Will Impact Auto Glass Shops

Last month Florida House members introduced a bill, known as HB 323. One its primary goals was to prevent auto glass shops in the state from “offering anything of value” to their customers in exchange for making claims for their … Continue reading

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Updated: Recent Fire Destroys Auto Glass Business’ Tools And More

As many in the industry know – running a business isn’t easy, but it gets even more complicated when an unexpected fire puts all of your work on hold. This has been the unfortunate reality for one auto glass family … Continue reading

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Could This New Bill Could Impact You?

A new bill has been introduced in Florida, and if it passes there could be changes ahead for auto repair shops in the state. The new bill was introduced in the House and is also referred to as HB 323. … Continue reading

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AOB Still an Issue in Florida

State Farm recently filed a lawsuit in Florida arguing against the state Office of Insurance Regulation’s (OIR) requests for public record information required by the state. Many of the records involved assignment of benefits (AOB) and insurance claims. State Farm … Continue reading

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Top 5 Hurricane Storm Damage Risk States

Hurricanes are best known for the damage it leaves behind. High winds can move large bodies of water which can create storm surges, flooding and tsunami like conditions across the country. And some states are left with numerous destroyed vehicles … Continue reading

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Florida Lawsuits Decrease for Auto Glass Repair Insurance

Auto glass lawsuits which had increased from 2006 to 2016, are starting to decline in Florida. “In 2006 approximately 400 auto glass assignment of benefit (AOB) lawsuits were filed against auto insurers. In 2016, nearly 20,000 lawsuits were filed,” Florida … Continue reading

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CARCO Adds Windshield Damage Inspections To Fight Fraud

CARCO is adding windshield damage inspection addition at its Florida Site Network. The goal is to identify and prevent fraudulent windshield damage claims from being filed with insurance companies. The new addition aims to help both insured Floridians and insurance … Continue reading

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Florida Insurer Windshield Inspection Bill Clears Another Senate Committee

Florida state Sen. Dorothy Hukill’s proposed amendment to current legislation that would require an insurer’s inspection prior to a windshield repair or replacement cleared another Senate committee hearing. “[Auto glass repair] companies have been lurking in parking lots, waiting by … Continue reading

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Proposed Florida Bill Aims to Add Insurer Inspection Prior to Windshield Repair

Florida Rep. Rene Plasencia has proposed an amendment to current legislation that would require an inspection of a windshield’s damage by an insurer before it is repaired or replaced. The bill has been pre-filed in the Florida state legislature, and, … Continue reading

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Assignment of Benefits Abuse Driving Up Cost of Home, Car Insurance in Florida

Assignment of Benefits Abuse Driving Up Cost of Home, Car Insurance in Florida

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Auto Insurance Reforms Pass Senate Committee, But Don’t Count on Rate Savings

Auto Insurance Reforms Pass Senate Committee, But Don’t Count on Rate Savings

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Florida House Members Move On Auto Insurance Changes

Florida House Members Move On Auto Insurance Changes

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Join Us for a Preview of Auto Glass Week™ 2017

Let’s take a sneak peek at the gorgeous West Palm Beach, Fla., area—the location of Auto Glass Week™ 2017. Plan now to attend the event which will be held October 4-6, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center and Hilton West Palm Beach. Continue reading

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Gerber Collision & Glass Opens Location in Sebastian, Fla.

The Boyd Group, parent company to Gerber Collision & Glass and Glass America, has opened a collision repair center in Sebastian, Fla. The center previously operated as Riverside Auto Body and is located on Florida’s Route 1 East Coast highway. Continue reading

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Judge Orders Google, GoDaddy.com to Preserve Records for Antitrust Case

Google and GoDaddy.com have been pulled into an antitrust litigation in Florida which could have implications on the AGRR industry. The U.S. Federal District judge overseeing the case has ordered the companies to preserve records that may come into evidence. Continue reading

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U.S. District Court Judge Dismisses Antitrust Cases

A U.S. District Court judge in the Middle District of Florida, Orlando division, has upheld the report of a magistrate judge who recommended many of the antitrust complaints by collision repair companies throughout the country against dozens of insurers be dismissed. However, he gave leave for attorneys to file amended complaints. Collision repair shops from 12 Federal District Courts had alleged “steering and price fixing” by dozens of insurers. The cases are consolidated before a Florida U.S. District Court judge. Continue reading

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Florida Magistrate Recommends Dismissal of Antitrust Cases

A U.S. District judge in Florida recommends many of the antitrust complaints by collision repair companies throughout the country against dozens of insurers be dismissed without prejudice, meaning attorneys for the repair shops can file amended complaints. Collision repair shops from 12 Federal District Courts allege “steering and price fixing” by dozens of insurers. The cases are consolidated before a Florida U.S. District Court judge. Continue reading

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“Aftermarket Windshield Glass Poses Safety Risk,” Florida Collision Repair Shops Allege in Amended Complaint

A group of Florida collision repair shops have filed a third-amended complaint against State Farm and dozens of other insurers, alleging the insurers use their direct repair programs to illegally control and depress rates and they say if the shops don’t comply, customers are steered away. “With occasional exceptions, defendant insurers write estimates requiring use of aftermarket [such as aftermarket replacement windshields] or salvage parts. Aftermarket and salvage parts are, ostensibly, less expensive than OEM parts and, at least according to defendant insurers, of equal quality to OEM parts. This is simply not true,” attorneys for the collision repair shops allege in the complaint. Continue reading

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Florida Judge Wants More Evidence to Support Allegations Against Insurers

A U.S. District judge in Florida has dismissed much of the antitrust lawsuit filed by group of Florida collision repair shops against State Farm and dozens of other insurers without prejudice, meaning attorneys for the repair shops can file an amended complaint. The shops allege the insurers use their direct repair programs to “illegally control and depress” repair rates and if the shops don’t comply, customers are steered away. The judge says more “evidence” is needed to support the allegations. Continue reading

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