Coalition for Auto Insurance Competition: NJ Insurance Reform Approved by State Senate; Bi-Partisan Support Brings End of Statewide Auto Insurance Crisis Closer

    TRENTON, N.J.--March 20, 2003--The New Jersey State Senate today passed legislation correcting years of politically influenced auto insurance regulations that have eroded the availability of coverage for drivers.
    Voting 29-4, the Senate approved the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Competition and Choice Act, which aims to attract more auto insurers to do business in New Jersey and provide consumers greater and easier access to auto insurance coverage.
    "Years of excessive regulations have turned New Jersey into a horror story for drivers seeking insurance," said John Friedman, chairman of the Coalition for Auto Insurance Competition. "Thanks to bipartisan leadership, New Jersey drivers are closer to reaping the benefits of a truly competitive auto insurance marketplace."
    Politicizing and over regulating auto insurance is the root cause of the state's exodus of auto insurers, leaving consumers too few companies from which to purchase auto insurance. Five of the six largest auto insurers in the nation do not sell auto coverage in the state and more than twenty auto insurers have left New Jersey in the past decade.
    "Considering the New Jersey's nationwide reputation to over regulate auto insurance, today's Senate vote has tremendous significance," said Friedman. "Today's bi-partisan vote is confirmation that lawmakers are serious about true reform. For drivers, today means there is hope that our auto insurance crisis may be near an end. But first, the Assembly needs to immediately follow the Senate's lead and pass this bill now. Drivers can't wait any longer."
    The Coalition members include the National Association of Independent Insurers, Insurance Council of New Jersey, American Insurance Association, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Independent Insurance Agents of New Jersey, Citizens for a Sound Economy, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, New Jersey Association of REALTORS(R), Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey, New Jersey Food Council, New Jersey Retail Merchants Association, NJ SEED (Society for Environmental, Economic Development) Latino Chamber of Commerce of Mercer County, and the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey.

CHOICE AND COMPETITION

Municipalities supporting New Jersey Automobile Insurance Competition and Choice Act

    Avon-By-The-Sea Borough
    Barrington Borough
    Bernards Township
    Boonton Town
    Branchville Borough
    Brooklawn Borough
    Buena Vista Township
    Butler Borough
    Cape May City
    Freehold Borough
    Frelinghuysen Township
    Garfield City
    Glassboro Borough
    Harrison Town
    Hillside Township
    Jefferson Township
    Laurel Springs Borough
    Little Ferry Borough
    Long Beach Township
    Mantoloking Borough
    Maurice River Township
    Middlesex Borough
    Millburn Township
    Millville City
    North Arlington Borough
    North Wildwood City
    Ocean Township
    Passaic City
    Pennsville Township
    Point Pleasant Beach Borough
    Somerville Borough
    Tuckerton Borough