BOSTON -- The state's insurance commissioner is considering eliminating the unique right Massachusetts drivers have used to appeal auto premium surcharges they consider unfair for accidents caused by bad weather, road problems or some other abnormal circumstance.
Each year some 50,000 Massachusetts drivers seek relief from the Division of Insurance's Board of Appeals. Roughly 20,000 people succeed, saving themselves $8 million in insurance surcharges at roughly $400 a pop. There's a 20,000 case backlog at the state Board of Appeals.
But in the latest wrinkle to the "managed competition" insurance system she instituted in April, Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burns is considering eliminating surcharge appeals.
Insurers argue the appeals process is no longer valid because it is not written into the managed competition law.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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