American Property Casualty Insurance Association Urges Virginia Lawmakers to Protect Consumers and the Auto Insurance Market and Defeat SB 664

RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 12 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following news release:

Nancy Egan, state government relations counsel at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) issued the following statement urging Virginia lawmakers to defeat SB 664, legislation that would raise minimum liability limits statewide resulting in serious negative consequences for Virginia consumers and auto insurance market.

According to the Virginia Bureau of Insurance's latest figures, roughly 15 percent of Virginia drivers carry minimum liability limits policies. These policies provide for $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people, and $20,000 for property damage.

"This legislation could have serious negative consequences for Virginia consumers and the auto insurance market. If lawmakers pass SB 664, the insurance costs to cover property damage would double to the highest limits in the country and costs to cover bodily injury would be raised to the second highest in the country. All consumers have the option of buying more coverage now, but this legislation would force consumers to buy more coverage than they need, costing them more money. In the process, increasing minimum liability limits could cause insurance premiums to go up for Virginia drivers and lead to more uninsured drivers on Virginia roads," said Egan.

"We urge Virginia lawmakers to vote No on SB 664 and help keep insurance premiums low for Virginia drivers."

The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is the primary national trade association for home, auto, and business insurers. APCIA promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers, with a legacy dating back 150 years. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions--protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.