AR
Arkansas Senate Bill SB602

Arkansas 2025 Regular Session

Arkansas Senate Bill SB602

Introduced
4/1/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/3/25  
Engrossed
4/8/25  
Refer
4/8/25  

Caption

To Prohibit Insurance Companies And Appraisers From Requiring An Insured To Use Certain Facilities To Repair Or Replace Damaged Motor Vehicle Safety Glass; And To Provide Penalties For Violations.

Impact

The introduction of SB602 could significantly change the dynamics between insurance companies and consumers in the auto repair sector. By prohibiting the practice of steering insured individuals to specific facilities, the bill is expected to increase consumer choice and potentially lead to more competitive pricing for auto glass repairs. It also emphasizes the principle that policyholders should not face penalties or discouragement for choosing a repair shop outside of an insurance company's preferred network, which can lead to better service outcomes for consumers.

Summary

Senate Bill 602 aims to enhance consumer rights concerning the repair and replacement of motor vehicle safety glass by prohibiting insurance companies and appraisers from requiring insured individuals to use specific facilities for such services. The bill stipulates that insurance representatives must inform policyholders of their right to choose their glass repair shops, thereby empowering consumers and promoting competition among service providers. This legislation marks an important step in safeguarding consumer autonomy in the insurance claims process, specifically regarding repairs following vehicular damage.

Contention

While the bill seeks to provide greater rights to consumers, it may face pushback from insurance companies and certain industry stakeholders concerned about the operational impacts of these requirements. Insurers might argue that steering is part of efficient claims management and helps ensure quality control over repairs. Additionally, the potential for increased costs associated with claims if insured individuals opt for more expensive repair options could be a point of contention that may be raised during the legislative discussions surrounding SB602.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB133

To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Repeal The Special Rate Of Tax For Certain Used Motor Vehicles, Trailers, And Semitrailers.

AR HB1770

To Repeal The Service Contracts Act; To Transfer The Duties Of Regulation Of Service Contracts To The Insurance Commissioner; To Establish The Arkansas Service Contracts Act; And To Regulate Service Contracts.

AR SB354

To Transfer The Duties Of Certain Boards To The State Board Of Appraisers, Abstracters, And Home Inspectors; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB394

To Amend The Law Concerning The Collection Of Sales And Use Tax On Motorboats; And To Subject Certain Used Motorboats To A Special Rate Of Tax.

AR HB1620

To Create The Second Amendment Financial Privacy Act; To Prohibit Financial Institutions From Using Certain Discriminatory Practices; And To Provide For Enforcement Of Violations.

AR SB134

To Increase The Sales And Use Tax Exemption For Used Motor Vehicles; And To Amend The Reduced Sales And Use Tax Rate Applicable To Purchases Of Used Motor Vehicles.

AR HB1671

To Amend The Law Concerning The Penalties Imposed On A Used Motor Vehicle Dealer For A Violation Of The Required Licensing Laws.

AR HB1585

To Create The Delivery Network Company Insurance Act.

AR HB1840

To Regulate Unemployment Insurance Program Benefits; And To Prohibit Certain Individuals Who Commit Fraud From Collecting Unemployment Insurance Program Benefits.

AR SB427

To Provide An Exemption For Special Events To Allow Certain New Motor Vehicle Dealers And New Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Or Distributors To Display And Sell Certain Vehicles At Certain Special Events.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.