Redlining by Auto Insurers

The article relating to Proposition 103 is evidence of the continuing confusion produced by a poorly thought out and poorly drawn amendment. The people voted for something that promised to save them money but little did they foresee the problems that would arise from the obvious lack of knowledge of the insurance business of their would-be saviors. The companies would be flocking to write business in areas like Compton if the premiums (and resultant profits) were obviously excessive.

Imagine the result of Joe Doe in Visalia having to pay the same as Joe Doe in central Los Angeles for auto and crime insurance.

I think that consumers should be more concerned about the principal component of the premium: the cost of the losses, including excessive jury awards and the current mania of suing at the drop of a hat. All those lawyers spending millions on TV ads are a symbol of this malfunction of the system. And if jurors acted as if they were being sued (which they are) rather than some big, impersonal corporation, if they are conscientious, fair judgments might be awarded to injured parties.

BILL BEAVER

Los Angeles