IN SUPPORT OF SENATE BILL 924
AN ACT REQUIRING THAT HEALTH CARRIERS USING THE CONNECTICUT HEALTH INSURANCE EXCHANGE
PAY A MINIMUM COMMISSION TO CERTAIN INSURANCE PRODUCERS
On March 7, 2017, IIAC President, submitted the following written statement to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee:
Senator Larson, Senator Kelly, Representative Scanlon and members of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, my name is Warren Ruppar and I am President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut is a trade association which has been located in Connecticut and has represented independent agents for 118 years. IIAC currently represents more than 400 member agencies and their associates as well as their 3600-plus employees.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on Senate Bill 924, An Act Requiring That Health Carriers Using the Connecticut Health Insurance Exchange Pay a Minimum Commission to Certain Insurance Producers. Insurance producers licensed to sell life and health insurance must complete 80 hours of education and they have a 24 hour continuing education requirement every two years. These requirements assure the proper initial training and mandates the process of continuing education so that insurance producers maintain the critical knowledge of the changing insurance industry. Producer education is essential to consumers as their agent provides assistance in placement in the health insurance marketplace, guidance in claims processing and tailoring health and other insurance needs of the consumer. These essential services are important to the consumer and a provision that provides for a reasonable commission is necessary for those insurance producers that assist an individual or small employer to evaluate their health insurance needs. A minimum level of compensation will allow the insurance producer to continue to provide the necessary services, value and guidance for Connecticut consumers.
IIAC appreciates your consideration of this issue.
IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILL 7126
AN ACT CONCERNING TRANSPORTATION NETWORK COMPANIES
On March 2, 2017, IIAC President, submitted the following written statement to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee:
The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut supports House Bill 7126, An Act Concerning Transportation Network Companies as it places standards and insurance regulations that provide a safe environment for the residents of Connecticut and all consumers that use a transportation network company in Connecticut.
IIAC urges the committee to adopt additional provisions which are included in the NCOIL model act. This will be consistent with setting and complying with a national standard as recommended by the NCOIL and the insurance industry.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement from the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut.
IN OPPOSITION TO RAISED BILL 808
AN ACT INCREASING THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF INSURANCE COVERAGE REQUIRED TO
ISSUE A MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATOR'S LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE OF MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION
On February 23, 2017, IIAC President, Warren Ruppar, presented the following testimony to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee:
Senator Larson, Senator Kelly, Representative Scanlon and members of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, my name is Warren Ruppar and I am President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut is a trade association which has been located in Connecticut and has represented independent agents for 117 years. IIAC currently represents more than 400 member agencies and their associates as well as their 3600-plus employees.
Raised Bill 808 will increase the minimum amount of insurance coverage to issue a motor vehicle operator's license or certificate of motor vehicle registration. The current minimum limits for motor vehicle insurance recognizes that Connecticut drivers have the responsibility and requirement to purchase insurance to maintain their operator's license and registration. The insurance premium paid for the current limits reflect that.
Increasing the minimum limits for motor vehicle insurance will impact the minimum premium charged for Connecticut drivers. Increased limits are available in the marketplace for those that choose a higher limit and are able to pay any increase in the premium which may occur. Currently, there is an affordable marketplace for auto insurance at all coverage limits. Increasing the minimum limits will have a negative impact on the cost of auto insurance for those that cannot afford increases in their premiums and this may also, as a result, impact the number of uninsured motorists.
IIAC appreciates your consideration of this issue.
IN FAVOR OF HOUSE BILL 5135
AN ACT CONCERNING ELECTRONIC PROOF OF AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE IDENTIFICATION CARDS
On February 16, 2017, IIAC President, Warren Ruppar, presented the following testimony to the Insurance and Real Estate Committee:
Senator Larson, Senator Kelly, Representative Scanlon and members of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, my name is Warren Ruppar and I am President of the Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut. The Independent Insurance Agents of Connecticut is a trade association which has been located in Connecticut and has represented independent agents for 117 years. IIAC currently represents more than 400 member agencies and their associates as well as their 3600-plus employees. I come today to speak in favor of House Bill 5135.
House Bill 5135 will permit automobile insurance identification cards to be provided electronically for motor vehicle traffic stops and registration of motor vehicles with the Department of Motor Vehicles. Cell phones, iPads, and numerous other portable devices are used by the majority of Connecticut's population. The availability of app's by insurance companies to provide their customers with information on their policy or to report a claim is also an increasing component of the current technology. Connecticut drivers benefit from the use of this technology and the addition of electronic proof of insurance would be welcomed in our state.
HB5135 will allow Connecticut to join the 46 states that have proactively enacted legislation to allow the use of electronic proof of insurance.
We urge the committee to support HB5135.