PAID Act Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act
If enacted, the PAID Act would significantly amend how insurance companies assess risk and eligibility for their services. By prohibiting the use of proxies associated with income levels or educational attainment, the bill aims to create a more equitative insurance market. This alteration stands to positively affect low-income drivers, who historically have faced higher premiums due to arbitrary pricing practices based on these socio-economic factors rather than their true risk as drivers. The bill requires insurers to report their underwriting algorithms to ensure compliance and transparency.
House Bill 3880, known as the Prohibit Auto Insurance Discrimination Act (or the PAID Act), aims to eliminate the practice of private passenger automobile insurers using certain income-related proxies to determine insurance rates and eligibility. This legislative effort addresses the increasing reliance on factors such as education level, occupation, credit scores, and ZIP codes by insurance companies, which can result in disproportionate pricing that affects lower-income individuals and minorities unfavorably. HB3880 seeks to ensure that automotive insurance rates are determined solely based on driving history rather than socio-economic factors.
Despite its benefits for consumer protection, the bill has faced opposition from some in the insurance industry who argue that these proxies help insurers manage risk effectively. Critics might contend that without the ability to use these types of proxies, insurance companies could struggle to assess risk accurately, potentially leading to higher premiums across the board as the industry adjusts. As a result, proponents of the bill emphasize the need for balance in regulatory measures that prevent discrimination while ensuring that insurance market dynamics remain viable.