Collision repair professionals across Oklahoma are sounding the alarm over Senate Bill 641 (SB641), a piece of legislation they say will harm consumers and disproportionately benefit insurers. The bill is expected to be heard on the House floor May 8, marking its final stop before it potentially becomes law with Gov. Kevin Stitt’s signature.
The Oklahoma Auto Body Association (OKABA) is urging body shops, industry supporters and especially Oklahoma-based readers of Autobody News to act quickly by contacting their legislators and asking them to vote NO on SB641.
“This version of the bill does not reflect the needs or concerns of Oklahoma’s collision repair industry or its consumers,” said a representative from OKABA. “We’ve attempted to offer compromise language that’s more balanced, but those efforts were not reflected in the current draft.”
What’s at Stake?
SB641 is framed as legislation that will lower storage fees for consumers, but according to Oklahoma law, consumers aren’t typically responsible for storage costs in total loss situations. Those fees are the insurer’s responsibility. The issue, say repairers, stems from long insurer delays in offering settlements and removing totaled vehicles from repair facilities.
“The average shop waits three to five weeks for insurers to resolve total loss claims,” said one shop owner. “During that time, vehicles sit on our property, racking up storage charges. If SB641 passes, insurers would simply pay less -- without any incentive to move faster or improve the claims process.”
OKABA warns that SB641 does nothing to fix the root cause of excessive storage fees and instead rewards slow claim processing by reducing what insurers have to pay.
How Readers Can Help
This is the final opportunity for stakeholders and constituents to make their voices heard. OKABA encourages all Oklahoma residents -- especially those in the collision repair industry or who hold auto insurance policies -- to contact their legislators before Thursday’s vote.
To take action:
● Find your legislator
● Read the bill (SB641)
● Send a message: Copy/paste the sample message provided by OKABA or share your own concerns.
Every call and email counts. OKABA said, “This is the last stop before it becomes law. The more constituents who speak up, the better the chance of stopping this bill.”
