In another blow to “desk review” companies. Wisconsin SB 118 means that a field damage appraiser must inspect in person before they are allowed to write a damage estimate.

The bill prohibits an insurance adjuster from preparing a vehicle damage estimate
or from altering one prepared by another party without first physically inspecting
the damage to the vehicle. Click here for the bill.

Keystone Automotive one of the largest distributors of aftermarket parts released their final 4th quarter results. Overall sales show a decrease of 7.9%. Click here for the full release.

A recent hailstorm in Texas has caused damage to thousands of vehicles. Click here for the story.

Car arsons in Dallas from InsuranceFraud.org on Vimeo.

According to Philadelphia police, a triple shooting occurred at Larry’s Auto Repairs. Click here for the article.

Gainsco, a non standard auto insurer based in Texas posted a net loss for 2008. Click here for the full story.

Here’s a current snapshot of rates in San Diego…..

An Oregon shop owner who runs two auto body repair facilities has now transitioned to the FIX AUTO network. Click here for the story.

AB 1179 was referred to the Committee on Insurance. Hearing date is 4/1/2009.

AB1179, as introduced, Jones. Motor vehicle insurance: damage 

assessments. 

Existing law generally regulates the conduct of motor vehicle insurers 

relative to insureds or claimants. Under existing law, motor vehicle 

insurers are prohibited from requiring that insureds or claimants use a 

specific automotive repair shop. 

This bill would, in addition, require insurers to disclose in writing to 

claimants that any damage assessment, as defined, made by the insurer 

is not a written estimate of repair costs, as defined. This bill would also 

require insurers to disclose that the actual cost of repair may be higher 

than the damage assessment, as specified.