Committee Approves Sen. Dodd’s Auto Liability Insurance Reform Bill

SACRAMENTO – Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to improve liability coverage for California motorists, protecting people injured in crashes as well those who might be exposed to paying higher medical and vehicle repair bills, has been approved by the Senate.

“California drivers have been underinsured for too long and it is costing them dearly,” Sen. Dodd said. “We must ensure crash victims get the financial support they need while covering those who might be liable for soaring medical and property damage costs. My bill modernizes our insurance laws, bringing our state in line with what the rest of the country deems the right amount of coverage.”

Fifty-five years ago, California set the current mandatory insurance minimums, requiring drivers to carry $15,000 in coverage for a single injury or death, up to $30,000 per accident and only $5,000 for property damage. Only four states have the same or lower limits. Many drivers are under the false impression that carrying the current minimum would protect them from financial liability and make victims whole after a crash. The standard is especially hard on low-income or fixed-income residents who lack a safety net to cover damages.

Sen. Dodd’s legislation, Senate Bill 1107, would update the minimum to $30,000/$60,000/$15,000, bringing it in line with increased costs over the past half-century on everything including vehicle repairs, medical care and emergency services.

The bill is supported by groups representing California consumers and seniors. It passed the Assembly Insurance committee with overwhelming support.

“Several decades ago, California made automobile insurance mandatory to ensure drivers can handle the financial responsibility that comes with the risk of driving a vehicle,” California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara said. “SB 1107 will help ensure automobile insurance keeps up with the change in times and protects California’s drivers more adequately.”

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.