ACTIF announced it has joined the Lessor Vicarious Liability Coalition. The newly formed coalition promotes tort reform efforts to eliminate state laws that make lessors and rental car companies liable for damages caused by their customers.

The coalition includes members of the Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors, the National Vehicle Leasing Association, and various leasing and vehicle finance companies.

According to industry estimates, vicarious liability costs the car rental industry $100 million annually in court judgments and settlements. Previous reform efforts have stalled because of opposition by trial lawyers -- a powerful lobbying force at both the federal and state levels.