Insurer Groups Welcome N.J. Auto Coverage Plan

By Mark E. Ruquet

NU Online News Service, Jan. 15, 10:11 a.m. EST?Independent agent groups and company associations had a generally positive reaction to New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey's proposals for automobile insurance reform, but cautioned the key to its success would be the details.

In his State of the State address, Mr. McGreevey outlined ideas for improving a marketplace that has the highest auto insurance rates in the nation. Included in his plan were proposals for fighting fraud, reducing premium rates for good drivers, and bringing more carriers back to the state to increase competition.

Mr. McGreevey noted that the state's problems "did not occur overnight and will not be solved overnight." But he called for speedy passage of legislation that he said would be a "balanced approach to a long-standing problem."

Denise Ronan, chairwoman of the Trenton-based Independent Insurance Agents of New Jersey, said she was happy to hear the governor propose legislation that is aimed at bringing carriers back to the state. She emphasized that if the legislature were to pass a reform package that did not address that issue it would be "insignificant."

"Market stabilization is the biggest problem, not price," she said.

Paul Monacelli, past-president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey and chairman of the association's auto task force, said he too was glad to hear what the governor had to say.

"I was pleased to hear the governor issue the challenge to fight for the future of New Jersey and to do it now," he said. "I think that slogan should be included with the New Jersey auto insurance issue. We need do something right now because it is at the crisis stage."

Mr. Monacelli, chief executive officer of ADP/Statewide Insurance Agencies, in Morristown, N.J., praised the governor for his nuance on the issue, and echoed Ms. Ronan's comments that the issue is market and not pricing.

"In New Jersey, long term, that is the solution," Mr. Monacelli said.

Both said they were concerned about the details of the governor's plan and how it would be implemented. Mr. Monacelli added that whatever is decided needs the continued input of independent agents to make it a viable solution.

The Downers Grove, Ill.-based Alliance of American Insurers and the American Insurance Association headquartered in Washington, D.C. were generally favorable in their assessment of the governors message.

Richard Stokes, government affairs representative for AAI's Northeast Region, in a statement called it a "good first step," and added the association was "cautiously optimistic."

He said the governor's proposals were encouraging, however, the Alliance is "not sure the governor's announcement goes far enough."

Tammy Velasquez, AIA assistant vice president, mid-Atlantic region, said while the governor's proposals were a "comprehensive approach to auto reform," its success would rest on the details.

She added that it was paramount that the governor's plan brings insurers back to the state, adding that "where insurers compete for business is a market where consumers win."

Special Reports /

Insurer Groups Welcome N.J. Auto Coverage Plan

Related Stories

Recommended For You