The Florida Chamber of Commerce and its Consumer Protection Coalition have long-warned about a scam known as Assignment of Benefits (AOB) that is making it more expensive for Floridians to own a home and a car. Today there’s further evidence of just how bad the situation in Florida is…and it’s impacting your employees.
A story today by The Tampa Bay Times shows just how bad it is in Florida – a 1,300 percent increase in the number of lawsuits filed by third party contractors against insurance companies.
Here’s How It Works
In communities across Florida, car and truck owners are approached at a gas station or car wash by auto glass repair vendors claiming they can replace cracked or chipped windshields for free. The auto owner signs an AOB – giving away control of their insurance policy to a third party auto glass vendor. The vendor then submits an inflated claim to the auto insurance company, and then files a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to pay the outrageously ridiculous priced repair.
Making the situation worse are one-way attorney fees that require insurers to pay the other party’s legal fees.
Don’t Become a Victim; Here’s How You Can Help
The Florida Chamber and the Consumer Protection Coalition encourage you to beware of this scam, and help us educate your employees.
- Sign this petition asking lawmakers to put a stop to AOB abuse in home repairs and auto glass repairs.
- Help us spread this message to more Floridians by chipping in $100 toward our Public Service Campaign to alert consumers just like you.