Published: November 01, 2006 05:11 pm         

Where are benefits from tort reform?

So much for the promise of less expensive insurance premiums which we were led to believe we would receive if the legislature passed the tort reform measures wanted by the insurance companies.

I believe the legislature a year or two ago passed almost all the tort reform measures wanted by the insurance companies and I, along with many other West Virginia citizens, believed I would receive a small reduction in auto insurance and the premium on my home insurance.

I have not noticed a difference on auto insurance but what a difference on my home insurance. Recently I received my premium notice and it is about 50 percent higher than it was last year. I have been with the same company for 16 years, have never filed a claim and have exactly the same coverage as I have had for several years.

To help cover this increase I am dropping coverage on all out-buildings and machinery that I had carried for many years, but even by dropping this coverage I will not save enough to cover the increase on my house coverage.

Gilbert E. Bailey

Camp Creek, W.Va.

     

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