A survey by the Insurance Information Network of California (IINC) was delivered concerning collision fees imposed on out-of-town and at-fault motorists during an accident. This includes fees charged when the state’s emergency team responds to the incident. The poll shows that only one in five people living in California agree to the fees. According to the data gathered by the IINC, fifty percent of the participants do not agree with it while 26 percent of them are unsure.
Several California cities suggested the enforcement of such charges. Huntington Beach for example has agreed to charge out-of-town motorists who are at fault in car accidents $405 an hour for firemen responding to the accident. Unfortunately for those who are in favor of such fees, it was revoked because of public opposition.
According to IINC, when they said that auto insurance companies are expected to shoulder these fees, the difference in the support for the said crash taxes amplified. Still, majority of them disagreed with the idea. IINC data showed that 62% of the respondents still opposed to the fees and 29% agreed upon knowing this information. The justification of people who disagreed was that if these charges were to be covered by their insurance policies, this means that it will be rolled over their premium making it more expensive.
Although residents were opposed to such charges, it may not be enough to stop cities from charging visiting motorists whenever they are involved in an accident because the budget only covers the residents of the city. Reports say that the lawmakers that handle these fees have their focus on truck drivers going in and out of their city. Most of the time, almost monthly, trucks clog the city streets causing traffic. And because there is traffic, the city is compelled to shoulder extra costs to tow away the large trucks to avoid accidents that may be caused by the traffic.
Even though justification why cities in California prefer that these charges are shouldered by outside motorists is presented, people who still oppose the plans said that cities are supposed to pay for these service charges and should not be assigned to car owners or their car insurance providers. The city taxes should be enough to shoulder these costs.
Not only California has this sentiment. The state of Massachusetts also has a traffic regulation where out-of-town motorists are charged if they caused an accident within the cities’ boundaries.
