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SF 215

A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of the value of child restraint systems in the loss calculation for specified insurance settlements of automobile partial or total losses, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Garriott

Requires including the value of any child restraint system in auto loss settlements for partial or total losses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Webster.
#automobileinsurance #carseats #insurance #motorvehicles #safetystandards #vehicles
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Bill Summary · SF 215

Summary of Bill SF 215

Overview

  • Bill: SF 215
  • Title: A bill for an act relating to the inclusion of the value of child restraint systems in the loss calculation for specified insurance settlements of automobile partial or total losses, and including applicability provisions.
  • Purpose: Require inclusion of the value of any child restraint system located in an automobile at the time of a partial or total loss when calculating insurance settlements.
  • Status: Introduced February 5, 2025; referred to the Commerce committee. Subcommittee: Driscoll, Trone Garriott, and Webster.
  • Sponsor: TRONE GARRIOTT (Primary)

Key Provisions

  • Section 507B.4D – Automobile loss settlements (child restraint systems): When an automobile insurance policy provides for settlement of a partial loss or total loss, the settlement must include the value of any child restraint system located in the automobile at the time of loss.
  • Definition of “Automobile”: As defined in section 321.1, subsection 42, paragraph “d” (i.e., motor vehicle designed primarily for carrying nine passengers or less, excluding motorcycles and motorized bicycles).
  • Definition of “Child Restraint System”: A seating system designed for children, including a belt-positioning seat or booster seat, that meets the federal motor vehicle safety standards set forth in 49 C.F.R. §571.213.
  • Applicability of the Act: Applies to automobile losses for which a partial loss or total loss occurs on or after July 1, 2025.
  • Effective Date: Losses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.

Definitions (Key Terms)

  • Automobile: Passenger vehicles designed to carry nine or fewer passengers (excluding motorcycles and motorized bicycles).
  • Child Restraint System: Includes belt-positioning seats and booster seats meeting federal safety standards (49 C.F.R. §571.213).

Applicability and Timeline

  • Scope: Applies to automobile losses (partial or total) handled by insurance settlements.
  • Effective Date: Applicable to losses occurring on or after July 1, 2025.
  • Committee Process: Referred to Commerce with a Subcommittee responsible for initial review (Driscoll, Trone Garriott, Webster).

Potential Impact and Who is Affected

  • Affected Parties:
    • Automobile insurance policyholders and their households with child restraint systems installed in vehicles.
    • Insurance insurers and adjusters handling partial or total loss settlements.
  • Impact: Requires inclusion of the value of any child restraint system in the settlement amount, potentially increasing the total settlement to reflect the current value of the child seat at the time of loss.
  • Implications: Encourages consideration of safety equipment value in settlements, aligns loss calculations with the presence of child restraint systems, and could affect claim negotiations and payouts.

Additional Context

  • The bill aligns with existing statutory definitions for automobiles and child restraint systems by referencing established sections (321.1 and 321.446) and federal safety standards (49 C.F.R. §571.213).

If you’d like, I can add a brief impact analysis comparing potential settlement scenarios with and without the new requirement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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