AUGUSTA — In response to efforts by an
auto insurance company to increase premiums
for Maine seniors based solely on their age, Sen.
Bill Diamond, D-Windham, has submitted a bill that would prohibit such rate
hikes.
“Such an arbitrary policy is blatantly
unfair and will present an unnecessary financial burden to many senior
citizens,” Sen. Diamond said. “Mainers don’t believe seniors should be
discriminated against or treated unfairly. It’s not inherently dangerous for a
person to reach their 65th birthday, and insurance companies shouldn’t act like
it is.”
Diamond pledged to work with Rep. Henry
Beck, D-Waterville, to ensure seniors are protected from needless
discrimination by auto insurers. Beck, the house chairman of the Insurance and
Financial Services Committee, has also submitted a bill to block such rate
changes.
“Auto insurance companies should not be
able to penalize seniors simply because they are getting older,” Rep. Beck
said. “I am pursuing legislation that will make that completely clear, whether
it involves existing customers of a particular insurance company or seniors who
are shopping around for a new insurer. We have an obligation to protect the
independence of Maine seniors. Fairness in auto insurance rates is part of
that.”
Sen. Diamond’s bill will be considered
by the new legislature when it convenes in January.
“A history of reckless driving or car
accidents may be justifiable reasons to increase a customer’s premiums. Age
alone is not,” Sen. Diamond said.
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