MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Robinson (84th)

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-11-501, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT INSURERS MAY OFFER AN ALTERNATE POLICY, AT ADDITIONAL COST TO THE INSURED, THAT ALLOWS THE USE OF ORIGINAL PARTS AND GENUINE NAME BRAND AFTER MARKET CRASH PARTS IN THE REPAIR OF DAMAGED VEHICLES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 83-11-501, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

83-11-501. (1) No insurer may require as a condition of payment of a claim that repairs to a damaged vehicle, including glass repairs or replacements, must be made by a particular contractor or motor vehicle repair shop; provided, however, the most an insurer shall be required to pay for the repair of the vehicle or repair or replacement of the glass is the lowest amount that such vehicle or glass could be properly and fairly repaired or replaced by a contractor or repair shop within a reasonable geographical or trade area of the insured.

(2) Insurers may offer an alternate policy, at additional cost to the insured, that allows the use of original parts or genuine name brand after market crash parts, or both, in the repair of damaged vehicles.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1999.