Florida HB 669 has made it through subcommittee. This bill eliminates Assignment of Benefits and prevents collection of legal fees for litigation.

THERE IS A HEARING SCHEDULED IN TALLAHASSEE ON MONDAY 3/23 REGARDING THIS BILL. WE NEED A SHOW OF FORCE AT THIS HEARING FROM ALL INDEPENDANTS!!!

If you cannot make the hearing, CALL YOUR STATE HOUSE REP TODAY!!!!!!

This bill could be the death of almost every independent shop in Florida.

This bill is strictly targeted at life or health insurance policies. Yes, we are monitoring and talking with our connections in FL, but the sky is not falling, I repeat, the sky is not falling.

There is no language in the bill that keeps it from applying to all insurance policies in the state. It simply states "Insurance Claims". We are on the cutting edge of what is happening and have discussed this with counsel as late as this morning . I can assure you that you are incorrect, Gary Hart.

NOT I repeat NOT just life or health insurance policies:

(4) As to suits based on claims brought by a third party
to an insurance contract, such attorney fees are not allowed if

such suit was commenced by or on behalf of the third party or if

proceeds of a court award would be directed to the third party.


CS/HB 669: Insurance Claims

GENERAL BILL by Insurance and Banking Subcommittee ; Tobia

Insurance Claims; Provides that assignment or agreement that transfers authority to adjust, negotiate or settle claim is void; prohibits assignment of insurable interest except to subsequent purchasers after loss; authorizes insurance policy to prohibit assignment of post-loss benefits; provides exceptions; provides requirements relating to communications regarding claims; revises time periods relating to initial, reopened & supplemental property insurance claim notices & payments; making conforming changes to Homeowner Claims Bill of Rights.

Read the bill.......

Here is a link that will help everyone understand what is happening in the Florida legislature at this moment. It refers mostly to contractors, but applies to auto glass and collision shops as well. It could happen anywhere!
http://www.saveourhomerights.com/

Great link. Gary is wrong again. Anyone who cares about this industry should take a good look at this and decide for themselves.

If only AGRR magazine would follow up on this.