Money's not free
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Editor,
In a recent guest opinion, Polson Rural Fire District Trustee Clapp stated that insurance premiums would not increase as a result of their new crash taxes. He came to this conclusion after the Montana State Insurance Commissioner's office told him they had no evidence that rates would go up just based on the crash taxes. Well, for those of you who still believe Santa brings free presents, you need to rethink this one.
It is probably true that the commissioner's office doesn't have "evidence" about any specific items that warrant a rate increase. But anytime costs for a product or service go up, the provider will increase their price to cover the higher costs - whether it's insurance or food or some other commodity. So what do you think will happen in the future when your insurance company costs increase? That's right, your premiums will go up accordingly. And, if the accident happens here, even though the driver may be from another place, the rates go up here - not in the driver's home area.
It seems a little disingenuous for trustee Clapp to ask the commissioner's office about a specific reason for a rate increase. Insurance companies do not itemize when they request new rates. So use your common sense when you ask yourself, "What will happen when my insurance company costs start to escalate?"
Leanna Fillman
Big Arm
