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House passes bill to make uninsured-motorist property-damage coverage available on request
Summary
Senate Bill 76 would require insurers, at the named insured's request, to provide uninsured-motorist coverage for physical damage (subject to identification rules and a base deductible); the House passed the bill after floor questions about hit-and-run coverage and rates.
Representative Ruben Stevens carried Senate Bill 76 for Senator David Steele and explained the bill's intent to let insured motorists obtain uninsured-motorist coverage for physical damage to their vehicles. "What this bill does... additionally requires insurance companies... to provide upon request of the name insured, uninsured motorist coverage for physical damage coverage," Stevens said.
Floor discussion clarified key features: the bill would cap recovery at a stated maximum (floor discussion referenced a $3,500 maximum cash-value payout), require identification of the uninsured vehicle (owner/operator or license plate number) to reduce moral hazard, and set a base deductible the floor discussed as $250 with the insurer allowed to make other deductibles available at different premium rates. Representatives asked whether hit-and-run damage and parked-car incidents would be covered; the sponsor explained that coverage is sometimes available under comprehensive/collision, but this option would exist for insureds who do not carry collision coverage and want limited protection against uninsured motorists or identifiable hit-and-run incidents.
Representative Lewis urged support, saying many constituents will seek the optional protection. The House closed debate and recorded 66 affirmative and 2 negative votes on the bill.
