Bill > LC0032

This bill amends Montana's motor vehicle insurance laws to enhance consumer protections and regulate interactions between insurance companies and automobile body repair businesses. The bill prohibits insurance companies from requiring policyholders to use specific repair shops, intimidating or coercing claimants, or disregarding manufacturer repair instructions and safety inspections. It mandates that insurers provide a non-biased list of nearby repair businesses that meet certain quality criteria when requested, and affirms the claimant's right to choose their preferred repair shop. The bill also requires that repair shops cannot charge insured customers more than uninsured customers and prevents insurers from limiting the number of repair businesses in their direct repair programs without justification. Additionally, the legislation clarifies definitions of key terms like "automobile body repair business" and "claimant," and specifies that insurers are not liable for repair work performed by a shop not on their recommended list. The bill aims to protect consumer choice, ensure fair repair practices, and maintain transparency in the auto insurance claims process.

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/lc/bill/2/LC0032