In testimony before the Oregon House Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, the Consumer Federation of America urged the Committee to pass HB 3423, banning credit history, sex and gender, and marital status in auto insurance pricing and underwriting.

Oregon, along with nearly every other state, requires drivers to purchase and maintain auto insurance. But insurance companies use people’s credit history, gender, and marital status to unfairly charge them higher premiums, even if they have perfect driving records. HB 3423 would make auto insurance more affordable, reduce unfair discrimination, and help combat the effects of systemic racism on the insurance market. A consumer’s auto insurance premium should be based on their driving record, not these non-driving related socioeconomic factors.