Measure would ban increasing car insurance for firefighters
Delaware State News, April 17, 2008
DOVER — Insurance companies would be banned from raising the auto insurance rates of policyholders or dropping their policies because they are volunteer firefighters and ambulance company members under legislation introduced Wednesday.
“It is unacceptable to me that these selfless volunteers could be penalized by their insurance companies. That’s what this bill is designed to prevent,” said Senate Majority Whip Sen. Patricia M. Blevins, D-Elsmere, who is sponsoring Senate Bill 239.
Insurance Commissioner Matthew P. Denn said he has heard of a Sussex County firefighter who was told that his auto insurance policy was going to be canceled because he used his personal car to respond to fire calls.
“Firefighters are concerned that this could be a recurring problem and we want to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Mr. Denn said. “The least we can do for these guys is make sure when they’re putting their lives on the line, we keep insurance companies from raising their rates or canceling their policies.”
Sen. Bruce C. Ennis, D-Smyrna, said he has seen several incidents over the years in which firefi ghters have had their insurance rates increased or policies terminated.
“Usually with fire police or fire chiefs, they use their personal vehicles to respond, and if they’re in an accident, even if it’s not their fault, (the insurance company) tries to raise their rates,” Sen. Ennis said.
A section of state code prohibits insurance companies from increasing premiums for firefighters, police officers or ambulance squad members if they are involved in an accident while responding to an emergency in “an authorized emergency vehicle.”
Sen. Ennis noted that SB 239 would be broader, covering personal vehicles and addressing the issue of canceling policies.
The Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association, which represents the more than 60 volunteer fire companies throughout the state, supports the measure.
“What this legislation does is prevent insurance companies from intimidating fire service personnel from performing a very valuable service,” said DVFA president Ron Marvel.
