I applaud you for holding this important hearing. Asking the states about our experience in addressing the high cost of auto insurance illustrates the partnership that the Congress is building with us. First, it is mandatory. Each driver's own policy pays, regardless of fault. There are many reasons we hold this distinction.
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the nation.
More than 90 percent of New Jersey drivers choose higher liability limits than the law requires. Those demographics are unique to New Jersey and are part of what makes the state the wonderful, diverse place it is. New Jersey is the most litigious state in the Union. In 1995, we filed 819 lawsuits per 100,000 residents. In New Jersey, as I mentioned, insurance is mandatory.