After years of tireless advocacy, the Auto Body Association of Texas (ABAT) and industry allies are closer than ever to seeing a long-awaited bill supporting the right to appraisal become law in Texas.
On March 26, nearly 30 collision repair professionals, consumer advocates and public insurance adjusters gathered in Austin for ABAT’s Lobby Day, pushing forward legislation that could fundamentally shift how repair disputes are resolved in the Lone Star State.
Robert McDorman, a licensed public insurance adjuster and the founder of Auto Claim Specialists, has been at the center of this effort for nearly a decade. His message has remained consistent and urgent: “Safe repairs save lives.”
“We’ve been working on this for years. The OEM is the best entity to determine what constitutes a safe and proper repair,” McDorman said in a recent interview. “This bill reinforces that when there’s a dispute between the shop and the insurer, the right to appraisal gives consumers a pathway to a fair resolution.”
A Long Legislative Journey
McDorman first drafted what he calls the “perfect appraisal bill” at the request of lawmakers seven or eight years ago. In the 87th legislative session, Rep. Travis Clardy sponsored a version of the bill, but it failed to gain traction. “In 2021, the legislature just didn’t fully understand our claims process,” McDorman said.
Momentum grew during the 88th session, where the bill passed both the House and Senate but ultimately never reached the floor for a vote. Learning from that experience, both ABAT and Auto Claim Specialists doubled down for the 89th session by hiring their own lobbyists -- Jacob Smith for ABAT and Drew Graham representing McDorman’s team.
“The work our lobbyists have done has been nothing short of instrumental,” McDorman said. “Their dogged determination got us to where we are today.”
Lobby Day at the Capitol
On March 26, supporters from across the state convened in Austin for Lobby Day to speak with lawmakers and staff about the critical importance of the Right to Appraisal bill. Led by ABAT President Burl Richards and Executive Director Jill Tuggle, the group included shop owners, technicians and advocates like the executive director of Texas Watch, a consumer protection organization.
Attendees broke into smaller groups to visit offices and drop off informational flyers. While some lawmakers requested more background to understand the issue fully, the overall tone was markedly different than in previous years.
“The shift from the 87th to the 89th session has been amazing,” McDorman shared. “We’re being heard now. Lawmakers are paying attention, and many were receptive to our message.”
What the Bill Means for Texans
The Right to Appraisal bill aims to protect consumers’ ability to challenge insurance estimates when there’s a dispute over the cost of repairs. In today’s climate, insurers may offer $7,000 for a repair that actually costs $10,000 when done properly following OEM procedures. The bill allows either party -- the insured or the insurer -- to invoke the appraisal clause and bring in independent experts to resolve the difference.
“It’s not just about dollars and cents,” McDorman said. “It’s about ensuring that cars are returned to pre-loss condition and repaired safely.”
By reinforcing the use of appraisal when discrepancies arise, the bill safeguards both consumers’ financial interests and their physical safety on the road. “This is about putting the focus back on what matters: doing the job right,” McDorman said.
On the Brink of Passage
As of this writing, the bill has already cleared the Texas Senate and passed through the House Insurance Committee. The next critical step is getting it on the House calendar for a vote, a stage where many bills falter if they are not prioritized in time.
“We’re in a good spot, but the danger now is that it can get hung up in the calendar,” McDorman said. “There’s no opposition to this bill. If it doesn’t pass this session, it would be the nail in the coffin for safe roadways for us all.”
If the bill is scheduled for a vote the week of April 21 and passes the House, it would then head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for signature before the legislative session ends in May.
A Unified Industry
Throughout the process, the collision repair industry has demonstrated unprecedented unity and resolve. ABAT’s proactive strategy, combined with support from independent adjusters, consumer advocates and repair professionals, has created a groundswell of support that has brought this legislation within reach of becoming law.
“We wouldn’t be here without the lobbyists’ work, the support from the ABAT board, and the individuals who took time out of their lives to make their voices heard,” McDorman said. “It’s been an incredible journey.”
As Texas lawmakers prepare for a potential vote, the industry waits. A successful passage would not just be a win for repairers, but for every insured Texan seeking safe, proper and fully compensated repairs after a collision.
Leona Scott