DRIVERS could be eligible for free auto repairs under a new law goes into effect.
Those who want a second opinion on damage claims can request one with this new law.
GettyDrivers can request a second opinion if they feel insurers are lowballing auto damage[/caption] GettyThis new law eliminates the need to hire lawyers[/caption]On Tuesday, the Senate voted in favor of a law that gives drivers more power when they’re going back and forth with auto insurance companies, as reported by My Northwest.
After being passed by the House of Representatives, the bill is now heading to the governor’s desk.
The bill ensures that drivers have the right to an independent appraisal if they believe that the insurance company lowballed them about vehicular damage.
This law will apply to first-party claims, so only your insurance that covers your vehicle is applicable.
Beginning January 1, 2026, every auto insurance policy in Washington would be required to include a provision that allows you or your insurance company to request an appraisal if you can’t agree on the damage to the vehicle.
Anytime a driver feels like their insurance company is lowballing them on how much the damage is, they’re allowed to get a second opinion.
Under the new law, both parties (the driver or the insurer) can ask for an appraisal.
Both parties can pick a competent and neutral appraiser, but if there’s no consensus, then they bring in a third-party umpire.
That referee is chosen by both sides or appointed by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).
The result of the appraisal is non-negotiable, eliminating any back-and-forth or drawn-out legal drama.
Under the new law, if the appraisal deemed that the vehicular damage was at least $500 more than what your insurance company offered, the insurer would be required to pay for the appraisal costs.
That part of the bill was vetoed by the House of Representatives.
With that amendment, both parties are asked to cover their own costs, but the process is still simpler than hiring lawyers for a lengthy legal battle.
The new law helped soothe concerns from drivers who felt like their insurance companies weren’t assessing the damage to their vehicles properly.
Car insurance tips
Here are some ways to lower monthly car insurance rates:
Increase the deductible – this may increase the amount drivers must pay in an accident Ask insurance carriers for discounts Slow down on the road Keep off the cell phone behind the wheel Improve credit scores (in some states) Bundle insurance policiesSource: Liberty Mutual
This bill comes as drivers complain about AI-generated damage estimates that have lowballed them based on photos of the wreckage.
Several drivers testified during the bill’s public hearing that original estimates were roughly 50% to 75% less than what the actual repairs ended up costing.
“This is about fairness,” said Senator Derek Stanford (D-Bothell), the bill’s lead sponsor.
Drivers who are concerned about rising costs were in favor of this new bill, hoping that it will help save them some money.
The Office of the Insurance Commissioner did report a spike in drivers’ complaints.
According to the reports, roughly 88% of concerns were related to disagreement over car damage value.
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