Massachusetts Legislation on Motor Vehicle Insurance Quotes

The Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services recently held a hearing on legislation that would require motor vehicle insurers to check an applicant’s driving history before providing a premium quote. House Bill 3682, titled “an act relative to fair and accurate motor vehicle insurance quotes,” is sponsored by the Committee’s Vice-Chair, Representative Michael Finn. The bill has received support from a trade association representing insurance agents as well as some insurance companies. However, trade groups representing insurers are opposed to the legislation, arguing that any lag between preliminary and verified quotes stems from incompatibility between technology at insurance companies and the State’s Registry of Motor Vehicles that is beyond a company’s control.