ABC Action News
11:24 PM, Apr 19, 2017
Small business owner Mike Hinsch’s trouble started after a mobile glass business replaced the windshields in three work trucks.
Hinch’s auto policy exploded from $16,000 a year to $22,000 over the windshield claim.
This plumber had no idea the glass company hit his insurer up for 14 thousand dollars. The average windshield runs between $400 and $600.
For teacher Kellie Clark it started with a stranger at the door. She says he indicated he was with her insurer and needed to check her roof for hail damage.
Like Hinsch, Clark signed an assignment of benefits or AOB. It’s where home and auto owners turn over all rights to their claim to a contractor or lawyer in exchange for a quick repair.
Done Rite roofing owner Jason Loiacana came out for a second opinion.
He confirmed the Clark’s needed a new roof, an $8,000 to $9,000 dollar job. But the AOB Clark signed allowed the Simbro Group, not an actual contractor, to file an $18,000 claim with her insurance.
AOB abuse occurs when contractors and attorneys inflate claims then sue the insurance companies for payment. Insurers often settle to avoid costly court fights.
House speaker Richard Corcoran says homeowners could see their bills increase 2 to 4 thousand dollars a year in the next 5 years if the legislature fails to pass one of the measures aimed at curbing AOB abuse.
