THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	101
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER TO STUDY THE requiring proof of MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE to PURCHASE fuel.

     WHEREAS, The Honolulu Advertiser reported in a January 23, 2009 article that a new study by the Insurance Research Council states that about one in eight or approximately twelve per cent of Hawaii drivers were uninsured in 2007 and projects the number of motorists without insurance will increase as unemployment rises; and

     WHEREAS, the Insurance Commissioner responded to the study saying the twelve per cent estimate is actually a little low for Hawaii, and some believe that the actual number is closer to one in five; and

     WHEREAS, uninsured motorists are a problem because people involved in an accident with them may have to seek damages and rely on insurance to recover any loss; and

     WHEREAS, uninsured motorists coverage is intended to step into the place of the uninsured motorists and pay for damages to the insured driver; and

     WHEREAS, one suggested approach to removing uninsured drivers from the road is to deny them access to purchase gasoline at gas stations, by issuing motor vehicle insurance cards to insured motorists which would allow them to purchase gas; and

     WHEREAS, a motor vehicle insurance card that is electronically readable have other benefits, such as:

     (1)  Reducing the number of uninsured motorists;

     (2)  Reducing insurance costs by reducing the premium of uninsured motorists coverage; and

     (3)  Coordinating insurance requirements with other requirements such as driver licenses and safety checks; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Insurance Commissioner is requested to study the feasibility of having motor vehicle insurance companies issue motor vehicle insurance cards to insured drivers and to require that the card be either scanned electronically or examined by the sellers of gasoline in order to purchase gasoline; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Insurance Commissioner report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Insurance Commissioner.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Motor Vehicle Insurance Cards; Gas Purchases