Pros and Cons on California’s Mandatory Auto Insurance Law

I read Bell’s column on reforming auto insurance. I agree with her no-fault and state-backed liability coverage proposals.

I would recommend a third improvement on the California insurance system, wherein license plates would be issued only upon the driver’s demonstrating proof of having insurance. The system works well in Massachusetts; all cars have license plates, and all plates have been issued only after the owner has gotten his application stamped by his insurance carrier.

Here in California I see an astounding number of cars without plates, not only new models waiting for plates from Sacramento, but lots of older ones as well. I imagine that most of these vehicles are properly registered and insured, but I am sure that a great many are not--and will not be unless stopped by the police. By the same token, I know that you can purchase a beat-up old car, with license plates for $500, jump in and drive off, never having to worry about transferring registration, let alone getting insurance, unless stopped by the police for some infraction of the rules. Or worse, getting in an accident.

Why not revamp the whole system? Assign the license plates to the owner, not the vehicle. I’d save a lot, as I wouldn’t buy uninsured drivers’ insurance.

CLEMENT SALVADORI

Laguna Beach