Bill > H830

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law concerning motor vehicle insurance surcharges, which are additional costs added to premiums due to certain driving behaviors or incidents. Specifically, it mandates that any increases in insurance premiums resulting from "surchargeable incidents" – which include at-fault accidents, moving violations, and participation in driver alcohol education programs – must be set at uniform, fixed rates. Crucially, these rates cannot be determined by the policyholder's geographic location or territory, meaning drivers in different areas with the same driving record and surchargeable incidents will face the same premium adjustments. The bill also states that these uniform rates will apply to both premium increases for surchargeable incidents and potential discounts for excellent driving, with the state commissioner responsible for establishing these fixed rates and ensuring they are not calculated as a percentage of the premium.