NAMIC Comments on Resignation of Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes

The following statement on the resignation of Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes may be attributed to Paul Tetrault, Northeast state affairs manager for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

"Commissioner Burnes will be remembered well for taking on one of the thorniest public policy issues facing Massachusetts insurers and consumers. Her bold decision to depart, after three decades of contrary precedent, from state-set rating in auto insurance and adopt a competitive rating system showed fortitude and independence.

"Rather than bowing to presumptions and doomsaying about the feasibility of moving to competitive rating, she resolved to take a fresh look at the matter. When she did, she concluded that competitive rating was not only possible but actually required in light of statute and the available empirical evidence.

"As a result of this decision drivers across the state are now experiencing the benefits of competition, including more choices and lower rates for good drivers.  It is to be hoped that her successor not only continues but expands upon this success."

Contact: Lisa Floreancig
Director of Communications
State & Policy Affairs
lfloreancig@namic.org
317-876-4246