SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's salvage industry says proposed state legislation that would open the auto salvage auction market to unlicensed buyers could cost up to 2,500 jobs and eliminate consumer protections.
Proponents of Senate Bill 273 include the insurance industry and auto auctioneers. They say it would reduce insurance rates in the state by making the market more competitive.
Ohio currently requires an identification card to purchase one of the more than 100,000 cars a year deemed total losses by insurance companies. Licensed dealers in Ohio and 21 other states can apply for the cards.
The Springfield New-Sun (http://bit.ly/TLcoRu ) reports that insurance companies in other states can sell salvage vehicles to anyone via online auctions with less regulation.
Opponents protested this week outside a hearing of the House committee considering the legislation.
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Information from: Springfield News-Sun, http://www.springfieldnewssun.com
