Why Montana Drivers Need a Right to Appraisal

In our community, we see firsthand what happens when there’s a disagreement between an insurance company and the professionals responsible for repairing a damaged vehicle. When that happens today, the consumer is usually the one stuck in the middle. They’re left dealing with delays, pressure to accept incomplete repairs, or paying out of pocket for procedures required to properly and safely fix their car.

Most drivers have no idea how to challenge those decisions or get a fair resolution. I have personally experienced this and was lucky that my insurance policy does have Right to Appraisal otherwise I would have been out pocket for repairs that were required to safely and properly repair my vehicle.

A Right to Appraisal provision simply gives consumers a fair way to resolve those disputes.

This process already exists in property insurance and works well. When there’s a disagreement over cost or scope, each side selects a qualified appraiser, and those appraisers work toward a fair resolution. It keeps the process moving, avoids unnecessary conflict, and most importantly helps ensure the vehicle is repaired correctly and safely. It’s a practical solution that brings balance and transparency to a situation that can otherwise feel one-sided to consumers.

This bill isn’t about driving up costs.

It’s about making sure Montana drivers have a clear, reasonable path to resolve disputes when they arise and to get back on the road in a properly repaired vehicle. When consumers feel the process is fair, it builds trust in the entire system.