The Legislature on Tuesday formally sent a bill to Gov. Ron DeSantis that seeks to curb lawsuits over insurance claims for windshield damage. Lawmakers passed the bill (SB 1002) during the legislative session that ended May 5 after lobbying from the auto insurance industry.
The bill would bar a controversial practice known as “assignment of benefits,” or AOB, that insurers contend fuels lawsuits over claims.
Also, the bill would prevent glass shops from offering such things as gift cards and rebates to motorists making claims. Assignment of benefits involves policyholders signing over claims to contractors, who then pursue payments from insurers.
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Contractors say assigning benefits can help consumers, who might not have experience dealing with insurance companies.
Also, operators of independent glass shops have argued they sometimes need to file lawsuits because insurers don’t pay fairly for their work.
The bill would prevent insurers from requiring policyholders to use particular companies for windshield replacements.
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