Bill > H826

This bill requires the Commissioner of Insurance to conduct a comprehensive study on the labor rates paid by auto insurers for motor vehicle repairs. The study, covering the most recent five-year period, will examine hourly labor rates paid to registered motor vehicle repair shops in Massachusetts and compare them to rates in other New England and other states, investigating the reasons for any differences. It will also compare the number of registered repair shops in Massachusetts to other states, considering their relation to the number of physical damage claims and the potential impact on labor rates. Furthermore, the study will analyze repair times and the average number of days rental cars are used during repairs, comparing these metrics to other states. Finally, it will review laws governing motor vehicle repairs in Massachusetts and other states, assessing their influence on repair times, rental car usage, and insurer-paid labor rates. The Commissioner must then prepare a report with findings, analysis, conclusions, and legislative recommendations, to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Financial Services by December 31, 2016.