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Senate adopts change to rental-car liability rules, aiming to lower Massachusetts rental rates
Summary
The Senate passed S.2603, an act to change rental-car liability treatment to align Massachusetts with most other states. Supporters said the change reduces double insurance costs for insured renters and would lower consumer prices; the bill passed to be engrossed after adoption of an amendment.
The Senate approved S.2603, an act relative to affordable car rentals, after adopting an amendment that added two subsections. The sponsor and supporters argued the change will bring Massachusetts in line with the majority of states and reduce rental rates borne by consumers.
Senator Julian Cyr spoke at length in favor of the bill, describing rising rental-car prices and the specific insurance rule in Massachusetts. ‘‘Massachusetts is an outlier when it comes to rental car insurance. We're 1 of only 2 states and the District Of Columbia that still requires rental car companies to provide primary financial responsibility for drivers,’’ Cyr said. He argued that because personal auto policies typically include rental-car coverage, Massachusetts renters who own cars are effectively paying twice. He asked colleagues to support ‘‘making rental cars more affordable in Massachusetts.’’
The chamber adopted an amendment offered by Senator Rodricks that amended the bill’s structure (adding proposed sections 1A and 1B). A call of the yeas and nays was ordered and the clerk proceeded with a roll-call vote; the bill was ordered to be engrossed after the recorded vote.
Supporters framed the bill as a consumer-cost measure, noting its potential benefit for tourism and visitors who rely on rental cars, especially in Cape Cod and Island districts.
