APCIA Supports Legislation Addressing Auto Glass Repair Schemes Contributing to AOB Abuse in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, March 12 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following news release:

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) today issued the following statement, attributed to its Regional Manager of State Government Affairs Logan McFaddin, regarding Senate Bill 754, by Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando), relating to Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage for Windshield Glass. SB 754 passed the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee today.

"Auto glass repair schemes are becoming another example of assignment of benefits (AOB) abuse in Florida and this bill helps address this growing problem. Some auto glass repair shops try to convince unsuspecting consumers to sign over their insurance benefits. These shops aren't affiliated with the insurance companies. They may inflate the glass claim and then turn around and sue the insurance company, often without the policyholder's knowledge.

"In 2006, approximately 400 auto glass AOB lawsuits were filed, according to the Florida Department of Financial Services. That number jumped to 20,000 lawsuits in 2016. We still have a long way to go toward fixing the Florida system and protecting consumers. Thousands of cases are still being filed, which is evidence AOB abuse is a real problem that must be addressed."

SB 754 has also been referred to the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee and Senate Rules Committee.