How Governor Kemp’s Tort Reform Plan Benefits Car and Home Insurance Consumers in Marietta, GA | Filkins, Colbert & Associates

Governor Brian Kemp’s recently introduced tort reform package has the potential to greatly impact car insurance and home insurance consumers in Marietta, GA. Filkins, Colbert & Associates Inc., committed to delivering comprehensive insurance solutions, sees these reforms as a step toward more affordable and stable insurance premiums for families and businesses across Marietta.

1. Stabilizing Car and Home Insurance Premiums for Marietta ConsumersThe tort reform plan focuses on reducing the cost of litigation, which often causes insurers to raise premiums. For Marietta residents, this could result in more stable car insurance and home insurance premiums. By tackling frivolous lawsuits and limiting excessive damage claims, local insurance providers could lower their expenses, benefiting consumers in Marietta with potentially reduced insurance rates.

2. Reducing “Phantom Damages” for Lower Car and Home Insurance CostsThe reform requires that plaintiffs can only claim the actual medical costs incurred from injuries, rather than inflated amounts. This provision addresses phantom damages, which often drive-up claim costs for car insurance and home insurance providers. By eliminating inflated claims, this reform helps reduce expenses for insurers, ultimately benefiting Marietta residents by helping stabilize insurance premiums.

3. Closing Loopholes in Attorney Fees to Lower Claim CostsCurrently, the ability to double recover attorney fees drives up claim settlements, indirectly raising insurance premiums. The tort reform package closes this loophole, ensuring that plaintiffs only recover attorney fees once. This change could reduce overall claims expenses, benefiting car insurance and home insurance consumers in Marietta with more affordable rates.

4. Seatbelt Evidence and Its Impact on Auto Insurance PremiumsA key provision of the tort reform legislation allows defendants to introduce evidence regarding whether the plaintiff was wearing a seatbelt in an auto accident case. This measure can help prevent excessive claims for injuries that could have been mitigated, ultimately reducing the amount insurers must pay out. For Marietta drivers, this could mean lower auto insurance premiums by reducing claim payouts tied to preventable accidents.

5. Preventing Legal Delays and Lowering Costs for Marietta Homeowners and DriversThe reform aims to end the practice of forum shopping, where plaintiffs can dismiss and refile a case in a jurisdiction that may favor them. This delay tactic can increase insurance costs for Marietta homeowners and drivers as insurers face prolonged litigation. By speeding up the litigation process, this reform could help insurance providers settle claims more quickly, stabilizing home and auto insurance rates.

6. Transparency in Litigation Funding and Reduced Costs for ConsumersThe tort reform package also aims to increase transparency in litigation funding by restricting foreign funding of lawsuits and protecting consumers from predatory lenders. By reducing the number of manipulated lawsuits, Marietta insurers will likely see fewer prolonged legal battles, which could lead to more affordable home insurance and car insurance premiums for local policyholders.

How Tort Reform Benefits Filkins, Colbert & Associates Inc. Clients

At Filkins, Colbert & Associates Inc., we are committed to offering affordable car insurance and home insurance to families and businesses in Marietta, GA. The tort reform package aims to tackle hidden litigation costs that often lead to higher premiums. By promoting lower claim costs, fewer frivolous lawsuits, and a more business-friendly environment, we anticipate that insurance premiums in Marietta will become more predictable and affordable.

As the situation evolves, Filkins, Colbert & Associates Inc. will continue to monitor how these reforms impact business insurance, car insurance and home insurance rates, ensuring we can provide the best coverage options to meet your needs in Marietta, GA and beyond