APCIA Supports AOB Auto Glass Bill

Tallahassee, Fla. — The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) today issued the following statement that is attributed to its Regional Manager Logan McFaddin regarding House Bill 323, by Representative Richard Stark (D-Weston), relating to Motor Vehicle Insurance Coverage for Windshield Glass.

“We applaud the House Insurance & Banking Subcommittee for advancing this good public policy. We believe the number of lawsuits are being under reported. 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.

“These numbers tell us there are too many Florida drivers susceptible to the bad practices happening within some auto glass repair shops. And, this AOB abuse must stop. APCIA encourages Florida lawmakers to pass meaningful reforms this session that will safeguard Florida drivers and the insurance benefits they rely on during a critical situation.”

HB 323 has also been referred to the House Civil Justice Subcommittee and the House Commerce Committee.

Representing nearly 60 percent of the U.S. property casualty insurance market, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers. APCIA represents the broadest cross-section of home, auto, and business insurers of any national trade association. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions, which protect families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.