Governor Jeb Bush of Florida recently signed a bill into law capping vicarious liability for car rental companies at $850,000. The bill will become effective on October 1, 1999.

Previously, vicarious liability was unlimited in the state of Florida. However, now car rental companies are only liable for up to a total of $850,000.

The limits are as follows:

For death or injury, including pain and suffering, a rental car company could be responsible for up to $100,000 for a single claim or $300,000 for a multi-claim.

For property damage, a rental car company could be responsible for up to $50,000.

And, for non-economic claims, including hospital bills and lost wages, a rental car company could be responsible for up to $500,000.

Will CDW Be Reinstated in the State of New York?

A bill to reinstate CDW sales in the state of New York has been passed in the New York State Senate, according to Howard Conklin, director of government relations for AutoNation Inc.

However, the bill is still pending in the State Assembly. As of press time it was hopeful that the bill would be voted upon and passed by June 16, which is when the assembly adjourned. Conklin says, "This year is the best prospect the industry has seen in New York [to pass CDW sales in quite a while]."