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SR 164

AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE: Requests the Department of Insurance to study issues related to insurance coverage of motor vehicle damage claims, including steering and disputes regarding the adjustment of vehicle damages.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Stewart Cathey

DOI must study how motor vehicle damage claims are handled, including steering to preferred repair facilities and disputes over estimates, and propose findings and potential policy

Enrolled. Signed by the President of the Senate and sent to the Secretary of State by the Secretary of the Senate on 6/2/2026.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 164

Overview

Senate Resolution 164 (SR 164) of the 2026 Regular Session in Louisiana requests the Department of Insurance to conduct a study on issues related to insurance coverage for motor vehicle damage repairs. The focus includes potential steering of insureds/claimants to preferred repair facilities and disputes over the adjustment of vehicle damage claims, with a final written report due by February 1, 2027.

Purpose and Intent

  • Encourage a comprehensive review by the Louisiana Department of Insurance (DOI) of how motor vehicle damage claims are handled, specifically:

    • Insurance coverage for repairs after vehicle damage (non-total-loss claims).
    • Practices related to steering insureds or claimants to particular repair facilities.
    • Disputes and settlement procedures over vehicle damage adjustments (estimates, repairs, and related costs).

  • Assess whether current law and enforcement adequately protect consumers and ensure safe, cost-effective repairs.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Study Mandate: DOI is charged with researching issues surrounding:

    • Steering practices by insurers to preferred repair facilities.
    • Disputes over adjustments/estimates for vehicle damage repairs.
    • The feasibility, desirability, and practicality of a statutory dispute resolution process between insurers and motor vehicle repair facilities.

  • Recommendations: DOI must make findings and propose recommendations, including potential legislation, to address identified issues.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: DOI should engage and solicit input from relevant parties, including:

    • Motor vehicle repair facility owners and the repair industry.
    • Insurers.
    • Consumer advocates.

  • Reporting Timeline: DOI must submit a written report detailing findings and recommendations to:

    • Senate Committee on Insurance.
    • David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library (as required by law).
    • Deadline: no later than February 1, 2027.

Who Is Affected

  • Insurance regulators (DOI) and their oversight activities.
  • Insured individuals and claimants involved in motor vehicle damage claims (non-total-loss).
  • Motor vehicle repair facility owners and repair networks.
  • Insurance companies and adjusters handling vehicle damage claims.
  • Consumer advocacy groups and policymakers interested in insurance consumer protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and referral: SR 164 directs DOI to study and report.
  • Study period: Ongoing through the lead-up to the February 1, 2027 reporting deadline.
  • Deliverable: A written report with findings, recommendations, and potential legislative proposals.
  • Report dissemination: To the Senate Committee on Insurance and to the Legislative Research Library, per statutory requirements.

Potential Impact

  • The study could inform future legislation or regulatory actions aimed at curbing steering practices and improving the dispute resolution process for motor vehicle damage claims.
  • May enhance transparency in repair cost estimates and ensure repairs prioritize safety and manufacturer-recommended procedures.
  • Could lead to clearer pathways for resolving disputes between insurers and repair facilities, reducing delays and consumer confusion.

Note: As SR 164 is a resolution requesting a study, it does not by itself enact new laws but lays groundwork for potential policy changes based on the DOI’s findings.

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

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