Meeting Public Comments

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SSB 3154

A bill for an act relating to standards for settlement of certain motor vehicle insurance claims.(See SF 2383.)

Agenda

Subcommittee members: Shipley-CH, Costello, Townsend

Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Location: Senate Lounge

Comments Submitted:

The purpose of comments is to provide information to members of the subcommittee.

Names and comments are public records. Remaining information is considered a confidential record.

02-16-2026

Donovan Ringo [Auto Care Association]

Iowa's auto care industry employs 32,729 workers and generates $8B in economic activity. Three provisions in SSB 3154 create serious problems:1. Unlimited Liability (Sec 2.2.c): Requiring insurers to "defend and indemnify" against "any claims related to repairs" has no cap, no definition, no time limit. Insurers will avoid aftermarket parts entirely, forcing higher premiums on Iowa consumers.Fix: Replace with warranty requiring parts meet OEM quality standards.2. 100Mile Rule (Sec 2.1): Restricts insurers to distributors within 100 miles. Rural Iowa has limited optionsthis reduces competition, raises costs, delays repairs.Fix: Replace with "reasonably available distributor."3. Undefined "Modifications" (Sec 2.1): No definition or cost cap creates claim disputes.Fix: Define as "documented fitting/installation costs, excluding consequential damages."These amendments achieve consumer protection without raising insurance costs or threatening 32,729 Iowa jobs.

Attachment