Connecticut House Bill HB05565

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Uniform Motor Vehicle Insurance Rates Among The Towns In Connecticut.

Impact

Should HB 05565 be enacted, it will affect existing insurance laws significantly by standardizing how insurers set rates for motor vehicle policies. The resulting uniformity may benefit consumers by potentially lowering costs for residents in higher-rate towns. However, this change could also pressure insurance companies to adjust their pricing models, leading to a reevaluation of risk assessments and could prompt debates on how adequately such uniform rates reflect the varying risk levels associated with different locations.

Summary

House Bill 05565 proposes to amend the general statutes of Connecticut to mandate that motor vehicle insurance rates remain uniform across all towns within the state. The primary objective of this bill is to eliminate disparities in insurance premiums based on geographic location, aiming for consistency in how rates are determined for policyholders regardless of their residing town. By enforcing uniform rates, the bill seeks to provide financial equity for drivers across Connecticut, addressing concerns raised by residents who feel disadvantaged by higher rates in certain areas.

Contention

The bill may encounter opposition from insurance companies who may argue that local conditions such as traffic patterns, accident rates, and population density should influence insurance rates. Critics could assert that uniform rates disregard the necessary customization that reflects these variances, which could ultimately lead to financial instability within the insurance market. Furthermore, there may be discussions regarding the extent of government intervention in private enterprise, igniting a debate over consumer protection versus free market principles.