The existing provisions of the law on auto claims are also worth noting for context. Virginia already requires that motor vehicle damage assessment be based on personal inspection by a representative of the repair facility or a representative of the insurer performing the assessment, although insurers are permitted to prepare a preliminary repair assessment from photographs, video or electronically transmitted digital imagery. However, insurers cannot require a vehicle owner to submit photographs, video or electronically transmitted digital imagery as a condition of appraisal. When aftermarket parts are used in a repair estimate, insurers must disclose this in writing and state that the parts used in the repair by someone other than the original manufacturer must be at least identical in fit, quality and performance to the original manufacturer parts they are replacing. The statute defines an aftermarket part as an automobile part not made by the original equipment manufacturer that is a sheet metal or plastic part that typically forms the exterior of a motor vehicle, including interior and exterior panels. The law also prohibits payment by a repair facility to an insurer or its representative, or acceptance by an insurer or its representative of any bribe, rebate, commission, thing of value, or other consideration in connection with appraisal services from a repair facility.
Virginia orders insurers to document every loss estimate over a $3,000 deductible & more related News Here
