With over 30 years of experience in the insurance and autobody industry, I have seen firsthand how the young, first generation, weak and elderly are taken advantage of by the insurance carriers. The insurance commissioner doesn’t have any power to enforce statues. Lawyers often see the cases as too small or don’t understand the nuances of how insurers take billions from unsuspecting victims. Many current laws favor the insurance company.
When I started our business in 1991, I joined the Auto Body Craftsman Association of Oregon. I was eventually elected president of the association and worked in Salem to help consumers. In 2007 we passed a law, ORS 746-280, forcing insurers to inform you about your right to choose your repair shop, and denying insurers the ability to force you to accept cheap repairs.
During Covid, insurance companies took advantage of the crisis, raising rates and denying increasing amounts of claims or partial claims.
Currently, consumer groups, government agencies and associations are working together in Salem to pass some very important legislation in 2025 that will:
If you ever have a problem with an insurance company (either home or auto), contact Leif at (503) 620-5343.
Follow us on this website and on our YouTube channel as we report on the progress to advocate for new consumer protection laws.
