SCS/HB 505 - This act modifies the law regarding damage claims by rental companies. Under this act, all damage claims made by a rental company must be reasonably and rationally related to the actual loss incurred. Rental companies shall not assert a claim for damages which exceeds: (1) the actual cash value of the vehicle less any proceeds from the disposal of the vehicle, or (2) the actual cost to repair the vehicle including all discounts or price reductions, whichever is less. This act also adds repair facilities to the type of entities which may make estimates for damage claims.

The renter shall be presumed to have no liability for loss due to theft if an authorized driver has possession of the key or establishes the key was not in the ignition and the authorized driver promptly files a police report on the theft. This act also adds repair facilities to the type of entities which may make estimates for damage claims.

This act is similar to SB 207 (2003).
CINDY KADLEC