TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Senator Linda Stewart (D - Orlando) has filed a bill that would curb excess litigation and protect consumers when it comes to automotive windshield replacement practices.
Senate Bill 1002 would make multiple changes to the process of windshield replacement.
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The bill proposes changes to the process of windshield replacement, including prohibiting replacement service providers from offering incentives to customers and prohibiting consumers from entering assignment of benefits contracts for windshield replacement and calibration.
“We have all seen the signs offering us cash or gift cards to have our windshields replaced. These incentives sound great, but the reality is some of these services are using you to sue your insurance for more money than the replacement actually costs,” said Stewart. “This behavior ultimately contributes to the ever-increasing auto insurance rates as insurers raise rates to compensate their losses from this practice.”
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The proposed bill, HB 1002, is accompanied in the house by HB 541, and it also introduces language on calibration requirements for automobiles with advanced driver assistance features into statute.
Vehicle owners would be required to receive a notice stating the need for calibration, so they are aware that the service is necessary for some components of their car to operate properly.
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“Today’s cars have a slew of new features integrated into the windshield to improve driver safety. Without notice that these systems need to be calibrated after a windshield replacement, drivers could find themselves in dangerous situations or at a service provider surprised by the costs and possibly having to pay out of pocket for the calibration of these features,” said Stewart.
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