Connecticut Senate Bill SB00687

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/19
• Refer: 1/28/19

Caption

An Act Increasing The Impact Of Speeding On Motor Vehicle Liability And Physical Damage Insurance Premiums.

Impact

If enacted, SB00687 would significantly impact state laws regarding traffic violations and insurance practices. The addition of a surcharge for speeding offenses is designed not only to penalize offenders but also to potentially lower instances of speeding, which could lead to decreased accident rates and improved road safety. Insurance companies would need to adjust their pricing models to accommodate this new surcharge, which may, in turn, affect drivers' insurance costs and overall behavior regarding adherence to traffic laws.

Summary

SB00687 aims to increase the financial consequences associated with speeding violations by imposing a surcharge on motor vehicle liability and physical damage insurance premiums. Specifically, the bill seeks to amend section 38a-686 of the general statutes to require insurance providers to add a surcharge to premiums for instances of speeding violations under section 14-219. The intent behind this bill is to enhance accountability among drivers and offer a financial incentive to adhere to speed limits, thereby promoting safer driving behavior.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB00687 concerning the fairness of imposing additional financial burdens on drivers with respect to their insurance premiums. Critics might argue that this surcharge disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may already struggle with the costs of insurance. Furthermore, there could be debates over whether this approach would be an effective deterrent against speeding or simply an additional tax on motorists. Stakeholders such as insurance companies, traffic safety advocates, and civil rights groups may engage in discussions about the bill's implications and potential unintended consequences.