NCJ Number
86478
Date Published
1980
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Findings of fact and five legislative proposals developed by Oregon's Joint Interim Committee on the Judiciary relating to the evidence code and current insurance practices are presented in this report.
Abstract
The committee's study of insurance practices grew out of increased legislative concern regarding rising premiums, policy cancellations, and other consumer related problems. The Subcommittee on Insurance reviewed automobile insurance underwriting and rating practices and found significant competition among insurance companies, encouraged by Oregon's file and use system but limited by consumer awareness and knowledge. A consumer information bill is proposed that would require that the Insurance Commissioner provide information to consumers that will encourage comparative shopping. The proposed product liability insurance reporting bill would make the collection of product liability insurance data easier and more rational by requiring summary data and expanded data bases. In addition, the committee proposes the elimination of the motorcycle exemption from mandatory personal injury protection coverage. The proposed underinsurance bill is designed to fill a potential gap in insurance coverage where a defendant's insurance is insufficient to cover the verdict for an injured plaintiff. The recommended arson reporting bill restates arson reporting requirements of insurance companies, assures their immunity for actions taken in compliance, and grants the Insurance Commissioner enforcement powers and revises the fire marshall's recordkeeping requirements. An index is provided; the texts of proposed legislation are included.