§ 12-305. Motor vehicle liability insurance -- Mandatory settlement of property damage claim

   (a) Pending bodily injury claim. -- A claim for damage to property resulting from a motor vehicle accident may not be denied or payment of the claim delayed because the claimant, or another person, has a claim pending for bodily injury that may have arisen from the same or another accident.

(b) Prompt payment of property damage claim. -- The amount payable for a claim for damage to property is due and owing immediately and shall be paid promptly by an insurer or by a self-insurer that is approved under § 17-103(a) of the Transportation Article if:

   (1) the insurer or self-insurer has provided the coverage for the liable party; and

   (2) there is no significant dispute about:

      (i) the liability for the payment of the full property damages; or

      (ii) the monetary amount of those damages, including:

         1. if claimed, an amount for the loss of the use of the motor vehicle; and

         2. the cost of obtaining an estimate of repairs.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 48A, § 384B; 1995, ch. 36.