Insurance Hogs

Since it is admitted by automobile insurance spokesmen that policy rates are set by territory in order to insure the highest profits (Times, Nov. 24), we can question the motives of our state legislators who mandated obligatory auto insurance without simultaneously wiping out the very system that is designed to keep a large number of drivers from getting insurance.

Territorial ratings are designed to discourage policy sales in areas of low income and to encourage sales in areas of high income. As one spokesman for the “industry” said, two-thirds of the policyholders would be having to pay higher amounts. Of course, he didn’t mention that large number of non-policyholders his company doesn’t want.

Social and financial responsibility is a two-way street, but the auto insurers have been road hogs.

KENNETH H. BONNELL

Los Angeles