Going All the Way!

by Burl Richards, ABAT President

Texas’ 89th legislative session is halfway over – it ends on June 2, 2025 – and we’ve seen more progress than ever in our battle to mandate that all Texas insurance policies include the Appraisal Clause.

ABAT’s 2025 Collision Day at the Capitol was a huge success, and it’s clear that our legislators heard what we had to say because the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce unanimously voted to refer the bill to the House Committee on Insurance the very next day! (Flip to page 16 for a recap of the event and an update on the bill.)

Since we first began fighting for mandatory Right to Appraisal during the 87th session, we’ve never stopped pushing – and with the momentum we’ve gained, I’m more confident than ever that we’re going to push it right across the finish line this go-around.

Through ABAT’s collaboration and planning with our lobbyists and the tireless dedication of public insurance adjuster and consumer advocate Robert McDorman (Auto Claim Specialists) and assistance from consumer advocacy group Texas Watch, we actually saw lobbyists from the insurance industry sit down with our team to discuss the bill and address their concerns. It seems like most insurers agree that this legislation is important, that the Right to Appraisal needs to be included in all Lone Star insurance policy language, for the benefit of consumers, body shops and even insurers. 

I want to emphasize that it’s a big deal to have so many carriers supporting this bill! And that comes from having open dialogue and educating the public and our legislators about how the Appraisal Clause protects consumers and ensures they’re being fairly compensated in the event of a loss. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – if your shop doesn’t typically educate your customers about the appraisal process (though you probably should), this legislation will still benefit you because other shops are explaining this process to their clients and the successful results of invoking their Right to Appraisal is changing the landscape of our industry. By taking the decision about what to pay for a repair out of the insurers’ hands and putting it in the hands of two independent appraisers who determine a fair and reasonable value, we’re seeing insureds get indemnified for processes and procedures that insurers would normally object to paying. And that benefits all of us; it’s a positive for our entire industry!

We’re halfway there…yet we still have a way to go. I’m confident that we can win this fight, but it’s not over yet. It’s not time to hang up our spurs just yet, guys and gals! So, what can you do? Whatever it takes to get SB 458 (and companion HB 4570) across the finish line! And that starts with reaching out to your local state representatives and senators to explain why you support this legislation and why you need them to vote in favor of mandating the Appraisal Clause. Their job is to represent their constituents’ best interests, and if their phones are ringing and the emails keep coming in, they’ll understand how important this matter is to us and the motoring public on all Lone Star roadways. Sign the petition at texaswatch.org/saferepairs or wrm.capitol.texas.gov to find contact information for your local legislators. Together, we can go all the way!

Want more? Check out the May 2025 issue of Texas Automotive!