(3)__Disregard any efforts on the part of others to influence the appraiser's judgment in the interest of the parties involved; and

(4)__Prepare independent appraisals of damage.

B. An appraiser may not:

(1)__Receive direct or indirect gratuities or other consideration in connection with appraisal services, from any person except the appraiser's employer or, if the appraiser is self-employed, the appraiser's customers; and

(2)__Traffic in automobile salvage if the salvage is obtained in any way as a result of the performance of appraisal services.

7.__Liability for damages.__Any person suffering harm as a result of an appraiser's violation of any of the requirements of this section may recover the greater of $1,000 or actual damages in a civil action.__An action for a violation under this section may not be brought more than 2 years after the date of the occurrence of the violation.__Any violation of this section constitutes prima facie evidence of a violation of the Maine Unfair Trade Practices Act.

SUMMARY

This bill governs the conduct of appraisers of collision damage to motor vehicles.