Auto Insurance in California

It appears to me that the “little people” are of no import to the politician--until the next election rolls around. The Times editorial “A Monster Legislature” (April 14), is so full of truth that it amazes me to realize how small an amount of power the average citizen has after voting a candidate into office. The “auto-insurance mess cries out” for a solution more than a “compromise.” Solving the mess means reaching a solution that lowers the high cost of auto insurance which will not have 3 million California drivers going without coverage because they cannot afford insurance premiums. The stress of driving an insured car is bad enough on the crowded streets and freeways. The added burden of a guilty conscience is intolerable! Those 3 million drivers paying premiums they could afford would enable all-around lower rates.

The real reason this stalemate over car insurance remains unsolved is because, once elected, the legislators are choosing between the insurers and the trial lawyers. Whichever group is most generous with campaign contributions supersedes the citizen who has nothing to offer but one vote in the ballot box. We don’t stand a chance. It is not an old “monster movie” we are remembering, it is a real and present nightmare which we must endure until we awaken! The Times editorial may be just the shaking we need.

ALLAN BENJAMIN

Los Angeles