Date
(insert name of state representative or senator)
(address)
(city, RI, zip)

Dear Sen. (or Rep.) (last name)

I am writing to express my concern about an issue that literally affects every Rhode Islander. In the upcoming legislative session, you will very likely have an opportunity to cast a vote on this important consumer matter which involves fundamental issues like freedom of choice, personal safety and individual control.

I am referring to the attempt by the insurance companies to take away my right to choose my own collision repair facility. The insurance companies are trying to take control of this decision, thereby seriously jeopardizing my right to have my vehicle restored to its pre-collision condition. Insurance companies are legally obligated to pay for repairs necessary to restore the vehicle to pre-collision standards so it meets all safety standards and retains its value.

However, if they succeed in persuading the Rhode Island General Assembly to weaken or revoke the Freedom of Choice provision for selection of an collision repair facility, the insurance companies put themselves in the position of the wolf guarding the chicken house. They will be able to insist that the repairs recommended by their “direct repair shops” are sufficient and that the use of inferior imitation parts is good enough.

The direct repair shops have contracted with the insurance companies to cut the cost of repairs. Therefore, they must cut corners somewhere (in quality parts and expert labor) or absorb the cost somewhere else (i.e. pass it on to direct pay consumers or require insured customers to pay out-of-pocket for the appropriate quality).

Who pays the price for this corner-cutting? We all do. The vehicles on our roads will not meet the manufacturer’s safety and quality standards . The vehicle’s value drops so the consumer, the lender, and even the municipality levying personal property taxes lose.

Who benefits from this practice? The insurance companies. The big businesses who collect thousands of dollars from Rhode Islanders annually to protect their investment in their automobile - the second largest purchase the average Rhode Islander makes in a lifetime.

The insurance companies have no problem collecting premiums for years, even when no claims are filed. But at our time of need, the insurance companies are trying to short-change us. Just as the medical insurance companies now have significant control over personal decisions like which physician or hospital we can choose to take care of our own bodies, the auto insurance companies are trying to take control over who we can choose to take care  of our automobiles.

As a registered voter in your district, I urge you to take a closer look at the bill and/or amendments regarding this issue. The lives and livelihood of thousands of Rhode Islanders are at stake.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)
(Your Address)