Auto Insurance Crash not a Deer in the Middle of the Road

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Consumer advocates all over United States are worried about how higher risk levels among drivers could trigger auto insurance cost. In Wisconsin alone, recent surveys reveal that motorists are more likely to meet accidents as the year ends, with increasing incidents of deer crashes and vehicle accidents due to heavy snowfall. But some Wisconsin lawmakers and industry specialists say that Wisconsin auto insurance surge is not a deer in the middle of the road, and can be avoided without swerving or engaging in a head on collision. As debates continue over how state law should regulate costs, the issue has turned from a consumer advocacy concern to a political one.

Auto Insurance Crash not a Deer in the Middle of the RoadLast year, Democrat legislators changed several rules for Wisconsin motorists regarding their vehicle insurance. It included higher minimum on coverage and multiple vehicle coverage which requires car owners with two vehicles to pay up for both if one of the two engages in crash. This consequently led to higher premium rates and heavier financial loads for motorists. The Wisconsin Insurance Alliance says those changes could spur increase in auto insurance cost by 33 percent for most drivers. Higher increase is expected for middle- and low-income motorists who are considered by insurers as riskier clients. This left many motorists, particularly in Madison and Milwaukee areas, irate over new premium changes especially that is was caused by legislative actions.

Vehicle owners who naturally want lower premium rates now turn to Republican lawmakers who believe that costs are rising unnecessarily. Republicans criticize Democrat counterparts for “artificially” increasing costs amidst economic crunch. They say that this is no time to increase auto premiums because of record high unemployment and lengthening credit freeze. Now, Republican lawmakers are pushing legislative changes in the Democrat-dominated Wisconsin regarding vehicle coverage laws.

Meanwhile, Democrats remain firm in their decision, refusing to undo the changes they made in 2008. They say higher minimums would provide greater protection for motorists during accidents, many of whom are found under-insured by Wisconsin’s Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI). Democrats explained that vehicle owners avoid spending big during insurance purchase so they settle for the required minimum, which Democrats think no longer suffice to meet present day expenses for crashes.

While politicians are debating, OIC tells vehicle owners that they can still find ways to reduce costs without needing legislative changes. Maintaining a clean driving record, choosing over several insurance offers, and raising deductibles are just some of the tips they listed at their official website that could help car owners save on insurance costs.