July 5, 2013 Storm Chaser Fraud and E-Card Bills Signed in Wisconsin MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed two pro-consumer bills today that will help protect consumers from contractor fraud and abuse and make it easier for motorists to show proof of insurance coverage during a traffic stop, according to the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). Assembly Bill 81 requires contractors provide homeowners with notices and contract termination rights. It prohibits roofing contractors from requiring deposits or advance payment, except for emergency repairs necessary to protect the property from further damage, pending insurance claim determination. It also prohibits rebating or other compensation to induce consumers to enter into contracts. Senate Bill 62 provides consumers with the added convenience of being able to provide proof of insurance in either printed or electronic format, including by display of images on a cellular telephone or other electronic device. “We congratulate Gov. Walker and the Legislature for enacting laws that will provide immediate benefits to homeowners and motorists in Wisconsin,” said Jeffrey Junkas, regional manager for PCI. “With Assembly Bill 81, homeowners will now have important protections that will help stop unscrupulous contractors who often attempt to take advantage of residents in storm-damaged areas. In recognition of the widespread use of mobile technology, Wisconsin will now allow consumers to have the choice of using cell phones to show their insurance card. In addition to added consumer convenience, Senate Bill 62 may help some motorist avoid being ticketed because they were not able to immediately locate their paper insurance card.” This year legislation similar to Wisconsin’s storm chaser law was also passed in Arkansas, Kansas and Maryland. Electronic proof of insurance laws similar to Wisconsin’s were passed in 18 other states including Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. PCI is composed of more than 1,000 member companies, representing the broadest cross-section of insurers of any national trade association. PCI members write over $190 billion in annual premium, 40 percent of the nation’s property casualty insurance. Member companies write 46 percent of the U.S. automobile insurance market, 32 percent of the homeowners market, 38 percent of the commercial property and liability market, and 41 percent of the private workers compensation market.
Posted on: Wed, 10 Jul 2013 19:42:49 +0000
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