It was the second year in a row that Bomer reduced the commercial auto benchmark rate. The new benchmark rates take effect January 20, 1998. In most cases, individual customers premiums can be changed only when policies are renewed. The 5 percent benchmark reduction for private passenger auto rates is a statewide average. Local and individual rate changes can vary considerably from the average.
All territories have reductions for liability coverage.
Motorists in Nueces County will get the largest decrease in benchmark rates. A typical driver with basic liability, uninsured motorists and physical damage coverage will receive a 7.8 percent drop in the benchmark rate. The largest increase will be 1.6 percent in the Panhandle counties of Moore, Hutchinson and Gray. Drivers actual premiums also vary widely, depending on their county, age, sex, automobile usage, make and model of cars, driving record, types of auto coverage and the rating decisions of individual insurance companies. Auto policies usually consist of several coverages.