By Brenda Acuna| Staff Writer|
Proposition 33 is a measure that proposes to reduce car insurance prices and is one of the many propositions in the upcoming election.
Currently, insurance companies in California only lets drivers keep automobile discounts if they remain with the same provider. Proposition 33 seeks to let California drivers keep the driving discounts they’ve earned by following the law and having car insurance.
Proposition 33 intends to increase consumer choice for auto insurance and will work in the following ways: As long as you have had insurance with any company in the past five years, you could get some type of discount with your new provider. If the measure passes, it gives consumers the option to shop around when it comes to insurance without having their discounts stripped away.
In addition, anyone who does not currently have auto insurance or who has had a lapse in coverage would not be eligible for a discount.
Unless, the lapse was 90 days or less over the past five years.
According to yesprop33.com, proponents for the initiative claim that, “the measure corrects current law, which punishes you for seeking better insurance or a better deal by taking away your continuous coverage discount.”
Proponents believe that drivers should be able to shop around for a better deal without losing their discount.
According to Consumer Watchdog, a campaign opposing Proposition 33, claims the initiative “deregulates the insurance industry, making big insurance companies less accountable.”
Those against the measure also claim that it penalizes responsible drivers who did not need auto insurance in the past.
Advocates for the proposition at yesprop33.com also claim that the measure “encourages uninsured drivers to obtain insurance, because it makes it easier for them to earn the continuous coverage discount, thus making our roads safer.
Proposition 33 will result in more competition between insurance companies and better insurance rates.”
“I think this sounds like a good idea,” said Monica Villareal. “My insurance is already high. Any kind of driving discount will help me out.”
If the proposal passes, advocates against the proposal believe it will lead to higher premiums and will hurt California’s middle-class families.
Anthony Castellanos thinks the measure will not do much to help his insurance cost.
“My insurance is already high as is. I drive a Subaru! I don’t think this discount will do anything to reduce my current insurance cost,” said Castellanos.
KQEDorg.com reports that if the measure passes, approximately 80 percent of drivers would qualify for the discount, however it would be paid for by drivers that don’t qualify for the discount.