Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise the regulations surrounding unfair trade practices in the insurance industry, specifically regarding automobile body repair businesses. The bill prohibits insurance companies from requiring claimants to use specific repair businesses, engaging in coercive practices, or disregarding repair instructions from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Notably, the bill introduces new provisions that prevent insurers from ignoring OEM repair instructions and safety inspections, while also clarifying that the requirements do not restrict the use of alternative repair parts.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 33-18-224 of the Montana Code Annotated to ensure that insurance companies provide claimants with a list of nearby repair businesses that meet certain criteria, while allowing claimants the discretion to choose their repair service. The bill establishes that insurers cannot be held liable for repairs done by businesses not on the provided list and reinforces that it is unlawful for repair businesses to charge claimants more than uninsured customers. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and will apply to insurance claims made on or after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 33-18-224
SB0356_1(1): 33-18-224
SB0356_1(2): 33-18-224
SB0356_1(3): 33-18-224
SB0356_1(4): 33-18-224
SB0356_1(5): 33-18-224
SB0356_1: 33-18-224