West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw said last week that his office has sued Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and an auto repair shop.
The attorney general says the defendants allegedly repaired vehicles with what he describes as “junkyard parts” in violation of state law. But Liberty Mutual says the lawsuit allegation has no merit and that the insurer did not break any laws. The company says the safety and well-being of its policyholders is its top priority.
Attorney General McGraw’s complaint, filed in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County last week, alleges that Liberty Mutual and Greg Chandler’s Frame & Body (also called Greg’s Body Shop) violated the West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act.
The attorney general’s office claims that Liberty Mutual required body shops to repair vehicles with reconditioned, remanufactured, and used parts in violation of West Virginia law.
The lawsuit asks the court to enjoin the defendants from engaging in this activity in the future. It also seeks restitution for consumers and asks for civil penalties.
But Liberty Mutual says the allegation against the company is groundless. The safety and economic well-being of the company’s insureds are Liberty Mutual’s primary considerations, the spokesman said.
“It is our practice to follow the requirements of West Virginia law when an insured’s damaged auto is repaired under a Liberty Mutual policy. Within the framework of West Virginia law, auto insurers have many options regarding which types of crash parts can be used to repair damage to a customer’s vehicle,” said spokesperson Adrianne Kaufmann.
“The state of West Virginia has established law on when and if non original manufacturer’s parts can be used. However, Liberty Mutual chooses to use only original manufacturer’s equipment crash parts. Any decision we make concerning the use of a specific part for a damaged vehicle is made so that neither safety nor the manufacturer’s warranty are in any way compromised.”
Topics Lawsuits Carriers Auto Virginia West Virginia
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