Mass. Supreme Court Weighs Commissioner’s Authority

The Massachusetts Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments today in a case that could decide the future of the state’s auto insurance market.

Commerce Insurance Company v. Commissioner of Insurance
Automobile Insurance deals with whether the Commissioner of Insurance has authority to set up an assigned risk plan for automobile insurance in Massachusetts.

Commissioner Julianne Bowler attempted to install an assigned risk plan to replace the current high risk reinsurance facility but was thwarted by Commerce Insurance Co., the state’s biggest auto carrier, and others who maintain she exceeded her authority in doing so.