Court Tosses Windshield Repair Antitrust Claims

DENVER (CN) - The 10th Circuit dismissed an antitrust lawsuit brought by the owner of an auto-glass repair shop who challenged State Farm Insurance Co.'s policy of recommending that customers replace windshields damaged by cracks longer than six inches.

Richard Campfield holds 14 patents for processes allowing car owners to repair or prevent windshield cracks. Contrary to industry practice, Campfield said it is possible - even safer - to repair windshield cracks between six and 18 inches rather than replace them. But his repair business in Grand Junction, Co., encountered a roadblock with insurers' windshield-replacement policies.

He sued State Farm and its claim processor, Lynx Services, under the Sherman Act and the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, challenging the six-inch replacement criterion and accusing State Farm of wielding its market power to depress demand for crack repairs.

Judge McConnell dismissed Campfield's lawsuit, citing the lack of evidence to back up his claims.

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