Montana Code Ann. § 33-18-224: Designation of Specific Automobile Body Repair Businesses Prohibited

# COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES & INSURANCE MONICA J. LINDEEN COMMISSIONER  OFFICE OF THE MONTANA STATE AUDITOR ## ADVISORY MEMORANDUM TO: ALL LICENSED PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE CARRIERS DOING BUSINESS IN MONTANA FROM: MONICA J. LINDEEN - Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Montana State Auditor [CSI] DATE: AUGUST 11, 2010 MONT. CODE ANN. § 33-18-224: DESIGNATION OF SPECIFIC AUTOMOBILE BODY REPAIR BUSINESSES PROHIBITED Requirements for automobile repair estimates and repairs are provided under Mont. Code Ann. § 33-18-224. Any property and casualty carrier that issues or renews an automobile policy of insurance in Montana cannot require a claimant or insured to go to a particular repair shop, even for the initial estimate. The insurer or its representatives still have a right to have their own appraiser or adjuster inspect the vehicle for a repair estimate. However, the insured or claimant has the right to decide where to take the vehicle for the initial estimate and for subsequent repairs of that vehicle. Phone: 1-800-332-6148 / (406) 444-2040 / Main Fax: (406) 444-3497 Securities Fax: (406) 444-5558 / PHS Fax: (406) 444-1980 / Legal Fax: (406) 444-3499 840 Helena Ave., Helena MT 59601 Website: www.csi.mt.gov E-Mail: csi@mt.gov