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Washington SB 5871:
What You Need to Know and Why You Should Care

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Washington Senate Bill 5871 (SB 5871) is a proposed law that could change how auto glass repairs are handled across the state - affecting consumer choice, repair safety, and how claims are paid.

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Why This Matters to Independent Glass Shops

Washington Senate Bill 5871 (SB 5871) is proposed legislation that would change how motor vehicle glass repair and replacement claims are handled in the state of Washington. While the bill includes provisions related to safety and transparency, as introduced it raises serious concerns for independent auto glass shops and the insured consumers they serve.

The Independent Glass Association (IGA), along with Washington-based shops, both members and non-members, have reviewed SB 5871 in detail. Our conclusion is clear: SB 5871 must be amended to ensure it protects consumer safety, preserves real choice, and maintains fair competition in the auto glass marketplace.

SB 5871, as written, places new operational, pricing, and compliance requirements almost entirely on repair facilities, while leaving key insurance practices largely untouched.

Key concerns for shops include:
  • Undefined "reasonable and customary" pricing limits that can be used to suppress reimbursement below competitive market rates
  • Prohibition on post-loss assignment or authorization, forcing consumers and shops to navigate billing disputes without practical tools
  • No meaningful restrictions on insurance steering, even though most repair decisions occur at the first notice of loss
  • Increased liability and documentation requirements without balanced accountability for insurers or third-party administrators

Left unchanged, the bill risks making safe, OEM-compliant repairs more difficult to perform and harder to get paid for, particularly for ADAS calibration.

 

What Consumers Should Know

Most consumers don't realize that their repair decision is often shaped during the first insurance phone call or online claim submission. Call scripts, claim-routing systems, and insurer affiliations can quietly influence where a vehicle is repaired. Although SB 5871 references a consumer's "right to choose" a repair shop, it does not adequately address these real-world steering practices. Without transparency and enforcement, choice can exist in name only.

Consumers are also affected when:
  • Safety-critical repairs are underpaid
  • Shops are pressured to cut costs
  • Drivers are left to personally resolve billing disputes after an accident
The IGA believes consumer protection laws should make repairs safer and simpler, not more confusing.
Support IGA Advocacy

Defend Independent Glass: Stop SB 5871 in Washington

Step 1: Join the IGA Today

Step 1: Membership strengthens our collective voice and directly supports the fight to protect independent glass shops from harmful legislation like SB 5871.

Join the Independent Glass Association

 

Step 2: Donate to the Advocacy Program
IGA's Position: Amend, Don’t Rush

The Independent Glass Association opposes SB 5871 as currently introduced, but we support a clear path forward.

IGA has submitted proposed amendments that would:
  • Preserve and strengthen ADAS safety and disclosure requirements
  • Ensure real consumer choice at the point of claim
  • Establish fair, market-based reimbursement standards
  • Balance enforcement between repair facilities and insurers
  • Reduce unnecessary administrative burdens on consumers
With these targeted changes, SB 5871 can achieve its stated goals without harming small businesses or Washington drivers.
What Happens Next
IGA has formally notified the bill sponsor of our concerns and submitted a detailed amendment package. We are also providing Washington shops with documentation kits to help them share their perspective directly with legislators.

If you are a Washington auto glass shop, your voice matters. Legislators need to hear how these policies affect real repairs, real businesses, and real consumers.
Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.
This page will be updated as SB 5871 moves through the legislative process. Additional resources, shop action kits, and consumer information will be posted here.