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Panel approves electronic-title language for insurer transfers after total-loss settlements
Summary
The committee passed HB 1691 with technical amendments and HD1, allowing insurers to use targeted electronic signatures for title transfers after total-loss settlements; Copart and insurers said the change will speed settlements and reduce consumer delays.
The committee advanced HB 1691, a bill to allow supporting documents for transferring ownership of a total-loss vehicle to be signed electronically and to remove a notary requirement for that specific transaction.
Mark Bender of Copart testified the change would streamline settlements for consumers and reduce multi-day or multi-week delays caused by mailing and notarization. "What this will do is, allow the potential of a one-phone-call transaction," Bender said, describing operations in other states and noting support from some Hawaii counties.
Members asked whether counties or municipalities would face integration costs; Bender said counties would only see a different printed form and no electronic integration expense, and he agreed to provide a map of states that permit the transaction.
The committee adopted HD1 and technical amendments for clarity, and passed the bill with amendments. The record shows support from insurers and Copart; no roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript for the final recommendation.
