House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

April 2, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

REP. FREY PUSHES GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR SENIOR DISCOUNTS ON AUTO INSURANCE

 

“Lowers Age Eligibility to Sixty”

State Representatives John Frey (R- Ridgefield) announced he has again introduced legislation that will provide a discount to drivers aged sixty years and over if the drivers take and pass an approved accident prevention course.

 

The legislation SB-109, An Act Requiring Automobile Insurance Discounts for Drivers Sixty Years of Age and Over Who Complete an Accident Prevention Course requires a mandatory discount for drivers aged sixty years and over if the drivers take and pass an approved accident prevention course.

 

Rep. Frey voted in favor of the bill in the General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee when the committee voted out the bill in March. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) testified in support for the proposal at last month’s public hearing. The bill was then sent to the General Assembly's Transportation Committee, where it was unanimously approved. 

 

Rep. Frey said, “As the ranks of older drivers swell over the next few decades, Connecticut needs to ensure individuals retain their driving competencies to the maximum extent possible. This initiative gives seniors an incentive to take an accident prevention safety course. Frankly, with the rising cost of insurance, the discount in auto insurance premiums will be a much appreciated reward”

 

AARP currently offers a driver safety program. The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation's first and largest refresher course for drivers age 50 and older that has helped millions of drivers remain safe on today's roads. AARP has offered the course in the classroom for 25 years to help reduce traffic violations, crashes, and chances for injuries. It is designed to help 1) tune up driving skills and update knowledge of the rules of the road 2) learn about normal age-related physical changes, and how to adjust driving to allow for these changes.

 

In Connecticut, current state law permits a driver sixty-two years of age to be eligible to take a senior's safe driving course with a required premium deduction. According to AARP officials, there are presently 36 states plus the District of Columbia with laws which mandate automobile insurance discounts to graduates of the course.

 

AARP also maintains the insurance savings by people who have completed the Driver Safety Program course were valued at least $45.5 million in 2002 (based on at least a $25 per graduate savings for 3-years in insurance discount mandated states). Self-reports by program participants have indicated behavior change, with 4 out of 5 graduates reporting that they adjusted their driving behavior as a result of taking the class.

 

Representative Frey said, “This issue was first brought to my attention by Pete Massagli and the late Marty Carr, both active in Ridgefield AARP and long time advocates for seniors.  This isn't the first idea for legislation that originated with constituents.  I appreciate them bringing the concept to me -- and on several occasions, making the pilgrimage to Hartford to testify.  We are closer then ever to making this a reality."

 

Representative Frey is a devoted advocate for making the roads of Connecticut safer for travelers. Rep. Frey has for several years proposed similar type legislation; therefore seniors would have motivation to take a driving course refresher.

 

The bill awaits action in the State Senate, then if approved the bill moves to the State House for debate.  For more information on the bill go to the General Assembly’s website: http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=109&which_year=2007

 

Rep. Frey, House Republican Whip, serves the 111th Assembly District of Ridgefield in the state House of Representatives.