Bill Would Change Car Insurance Rules

Eli Ross, a former Coeur d’Alene school board member, thinks car insurance companies should have to give drivers more notice before canceling their insurance.

At Ross’ urging, Rep. Jeff Alltus, R-Hayden, persuaded the House Business Committee on Tuesday to introduce a bill requiring more notice, and chances for drivers to protest.

The measure is dubbed the “Automobile Insured’s Bill of Rights.”

Ross had three accidents, each time paying nearly all the cost of repairs because of his $250 deductible, Alltus told the committee. But his insurance company canceled his policy.

“I tried to draft something for him that would attempt to fix the problem - I’m not sure there is a solution,” Alltus said in an interview. “I’m merely getting this introduced.”

Ross, who is in his 70s, plans to return to Idaho from his winter home in Carmel, Calif., to push the bill.

The Business Committee wasn’t unanimous in agreeing to consider the bill. Rep. Bill Deal, R-Nampa, an insurance broker, voted against introducing the measure.