New Jersey Assembly Bill A537

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires automobile insurers to provide DOBI with annual documentation demonstrating no discriminatory outcomes with insurer’s automated underwriting system.

Impact

This legislation, if enacted, will have significant implications for the state’s approach towards fair-pricing strategies in automobile insurance. By requiring insurers to provide evidence that their automated systems are not discriminatory, the bill promotes accountability in the insurance industry. The move aims to protect consumers, especially marginalized groups, ensuring that all individuals are treated equitably when securing automobile insurance. It mandates a level of scrutiny previously lacking in automated underwriting practices, which can perpetuate biases if left unchecked.

Summary

Bill A537 mandates that automobile insurance companies in New Jersey provide annual documentation to the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to demonstrate that their automated or predictive underwriting systems do not result in discriminatory outcomes. Specifically, insurers must show that pricing methods are fair and not biased based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion. The bill aims to ensure that all policyholders receive equitable treatment in the underwriting process, rooting for a transparent auto insurance market.

Contention

Debate around A537 may arise chiefly over the feasibility and practicality of requiring such documentation from insurance companies. Some stakeholders may argue that the bill could impose an undue regulatory burden on insurers, potentially leading to increased operational costs that could, in turn, affect premium rates for consumers. Additionally, there may be concerns about the adequacy of the proposed metrics for assessing discrimination and whether they sufficiently account for all relevant factors affecting insurance pricing. During discussions, varying perspectives will likely emerge focusing on the balance between regulatory oversight and the industry’s operational flexibility.