HB 834 -- Licensing of Auto Body Repair Facilities and Damage
Appraisers

Sponsor:  Hobbs

This bill establishes licensing requirements for auto body repair
facilities and auto body physical damage appraisers.  In its main
provisions, the bill:

(1)  Establishes the Board of Auto Body Repair within the
Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional
Registration and specifies its membership, powers, and duties;

(2)  Creates the Board of Auto Body Repair Fund within the state
treasury for the deposit of license fees;

(3)  Requires the board to establish and administer a licensing
program for auto body repair facilities;

(4)  Establishes criteria in order to qualify for a license,
which include paying an annual licensing fee, having all required
federal and state licenses and permits, providing proof of
insurance, providing proof of compliance with federal
Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and
Health Administration requirements, and providing proof that
employees are trained and certified;

(5)  Exempts certain specialty businesses from licensure;

(6)  Allows for the issuance of a temporary license for up to 90
days in order for an auto body repair facility to comply with
certain licensing requirements;

(7)  Requires a temporary paintless dent repair business to be
licensed;

(8)  Authorizes the board to file complaints, seek injunctions,
and impose civil penalties;

(9)  Requires the board to establish and administer a licensing
program for auto body physical damage appraisers;

(10)  Establishes criteria in order to qualify for an appraiser's
license which include paying a licensing fee, having certain
damage estimating certification, and providing proof that the
individual will prepare estimates for an entity licensed to do
business in the state;

(11)  Allows for the issuance of a provisional license for
appraisers;

(12)  Allows licensees from other states to work in Missouri in
the case of catastrophic losses;

(13)  Requires estimates of damages to be based on a published
flat rate manual or automated appraisal system; and

(14)  Requires estimates for damage claims written on behalf of
an insurer to include a written notice that the vehicle owner has
the right to choose a repair facility of his or her choice and no
one can use intimidation or coercive tactics to alter the owner's
choice.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:25 am