MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2016 Regular Session

To: Insurance

By: Representative Horan

House Bill 833

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 83-11-501, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A CONSUMER HAS AN ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO SELECT THE MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY OF THEIR CHOICE AND AN INSURER CANNOT REDUCE THE AMOUNT IT IS REQUIRED TO PAY BASED ON THE INSURED'S GEOGRAPHICAL AREA; 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.  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.  For purposes of this section, a consumer has the right to select the motor vehicle repair facility of his or her choice.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2016.

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