Independent Glass Association Opposes New Iowa Auto Glass Law, Cites Harm to Small Businesses and Consumers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - May 14, 2025 - PRLog -- The Independent Glass Association (IGA) is speaking out in strong opposition to Iowa Senate File 573, which was signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 6, 2025. The new legislation, which significantly alters the landscape for auto glass repair and replacement claims in the state, has drawn criticism for favoring insurance companies and their affiliated claims administ­rators at the expense of consumer rights and small business viability.

Under SF573, consumers in Iowa are now prohibited from assigning post-loss insurance benefits to their chosen auto glass repair provider—a change that effectively limits the ability of independent shops to work directly with insurers on behalf of their customers. The law also enforces weak steering protections, while granting insurers disproportionate control over pricing, process, and repair approvals.

"This law strips consumers of their right to choose and empowers insurance companies to manipulate the repair process," said Gary Hart, IGA executive director. "It is a direct attack on independent glass shops and a step backward for consumer protections in the state of Iowa."

The IGA argues that the legislation was heavily influenced by insurer-backed models, such as those advanced by the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) and fails to reflect the interests of real-world service providers or the people they serve.

In response, the IGA is working closely with independent auto glass shops and consumer advocates in Iowa to organize a legislative correction. The association is actively gathering examples of harm, dispatch documents, and data from shops affected by this law to present to regulators and lawmakers for future amendment or repeal efforts.

"This is part of a broader trend where insurance companies are writing the rules and using legislative channels to squeeze out competition and restrict consumer choice," said the IGA. "Removing assignment of benefits and embedding vague pricing language is not reform—it's control."

The IGA has issued a formal rebuttal to the NCOIL model legislation that inspired portions of SF573 and continues to stand for fair competition, transparent pricing, and the rights of consumers to choose their own repair provider.

The association encourages all Iowa auto glass shops and consumers to get involved and join the advocacy movement. More information and updates on this effort are available at www.iga.org/advocacy.