H.F. 2919 Summary

• Amends Minnesota insurance regulations to prohibit insurers and adjusters from requiring insureds to use particular repair shops, parts vendors, or contractors, except insurers may recommend vendors if the insured is first offered the choice.

• Requires insurers to offer insureds specific settlement options for total vehicle losses (comparable replacement vehicle or cash settlement based on local market pricing) and partial losses (insurer covers repair costs or provides cash sufficient for satisfactory repair including hidden damage).

• Establishes mandatory insurer notifications to insureds regarding repair shop selection rights, glass vendor rights, and rental vehicle company selection rights, with specific statutory language required.

• Prohibits insurers from disregarding repair operations or costs identified by mutually agreed-upon estimating systems or original equipment manufacturer recommendations, and defines "reasonable and necessary" parts costs using original equipment manufacturer standards.

• Strengthens prohibitions on insurer intimidation, coercion, and unreasonable travel requirements for claim inspections and repairs.