Auto Coverage Choices Dwindle in N.J.

NU Online News Service, Dec. 30, 3:30 p.m. EST?In addition to some 25 auto insurers that have left New Jersey during the past 10 years, seven more insurers have either left or announced plans to stop doing business in the state this year, according to the Coalition for Auto Insurance Competition in Newark, N.J.

"Drivers are facing the ugly truth about auto insurance in New Jersey," Coalition Chairman John Friedman said. "Excessive regulation and political interference is forcing auto insurers to flee New Jersey, leaving drivers with little choice and few options."

Each month, more than 4,000 policyholders in the state learn that their auto insurance coverage is not being renewed, the Coalition stated, prompting them to look for new coverage in a market that lacks adequate choice and competition.

Currently, there are some 60 auto insurers operating in New Jersey, a third fewer than neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.

The Coalition argued that much of the blame lies with New Jersey's excessive regulation of auto insurance. Mr. Friedman said that without swift action by state lawmakers, consumers will likely face fewer choices in 2003 as excessive regulations and political influence continues to take its toll.

"Drivers need a regulatory system that promotes competition, encourages companies to sell auto insurance in New Jersey, and creates a stable market that offers more choices for consumers," Mr. Friedman said. "Until reforms are made that promote greater consumer choice and industry competition, insurers will continue to lack the incentive to grow and invest capital in New Jersey, leaving drivers in a lurch."

The following is a listing of auto insurers that have either left or announced plans this year to stop doing business in New Jersey:

? In January, Harleysville Insurance Company in Harleysville, Pa., agreed to pay Summit, N.J.-based Palisades Safety and Insurance Association and Palisades Insurance Company $4.7 million to take the 16,000 vehicles Harleysville insures.

? In June, New Jersy state officials approved State Farm Indemnity's request to withdraw from the state. In September, State Farm Indemnity, part of State Farm Insurance Companies in Bloomington, Ill., started non-renewing 96,000 New Jersey auto policies as part of its withdrawal.

? Twin City Fire Insurance Company, part of The Hartford Financial Services Group in Hartford, Conn., agreed in September to pay Palisades Safety & Insurance Association and Palisades Insurance Company $9.2 million to take the 24,000 vehicles it insures in New Jersey.

? Cincinnati, Ohio-based Great American Insurance Company agreed in September to pay Palisades Safety & Insurance Association and Palisades Insurance Company $7.0 million to take the 24,000 vehicles it insurers in the state.

? The Robert Plan in Bethpage, N.Y., closed its New Jersey business this month, non-renewing its last 20,000 vehicles through a Department of Banking and Insurance-ordered "solvent run-off."

? Central Mutual Insurance Company in Van Wert, Ohio, and Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, N.Y., also announced this month they will stop doing business in New Jersey.

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Auto Coverage Choices Dwindle in N.J.

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