BILL OF RIGHTS REQUIRED

A new California law went into effect Jan. 1, 2001, requiring insurers to provide insureds with an Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights. All insurers that issue automobile liability or collision policies must distribute the standardized form either at the time of application or following a reported accident, according to the California Department of Insurance (CDI). The bill of rights entitles consumers to: select the auto body repair shop to repair auto body damage covered by the insurance company; receive an itemized written estimate for auto body repairs and, upon completion of repairs, a detailed invoice; be informed about coverage for towing services; be informed about the extent of coverage; and be informed of where to report suspected fraud or other complaints and concerns about auto body repairs. The form is accessible on the CDI’s website, www.insurance.ca.gov.