Calif. Court Upholds $27M Fine Against Mercury Insurance

May 9, 2019
A California Court of Appeal recently upheld a $27.5 million fine that the California Department of Insurance issued against Mercury Insurance Co.

May 9, 2019—A California Court of Appeal recently upheld a $27.5 million fine that the California Department of Insurance issued against Mercury Insurance Co. for charging illegal fees that should have been disclosed as premiums, a violation of Proposition 103, reported Insurance JournalProp 103, passed by voters in 1988, prevents auto insurers from charging excessive rates and requires that rates be approved by the commissioner.

The fine is reportedly the largest in the CDI’s history against a property/casualty insurer.

The insurance commissioner fined Mercury $27.5 million in 2015 for charging consumers unapproved and unfairly discriminatory rates. Despite being advised against doing so by the CDI, Mercury continued to allow its auto insurance agents to charge consumers $50 to $150 in fees on top of the premium the CDI approved, according to the report.

Sponsored Recommendations

ADAS Applications: What They Are & What They Do

Learn how ADAS utilizes sensors such as radar, sonar, lidar and cameras to perceive the world around the vehicle, and either provide critical information to the driver or take...

Banking on Bigger Profits with a Heavy-Duty Truck Paint Booth

The addition of a heavy-duty paint booth for oversized trucks & vehicles can open the door to new or expanded service opportunities.

The Autel IA700: Advanced Modular ADAS is Here

The Autel IA700 is a state-of-the-art and versatile wheel alignment pre-check and ADAS calibration system engineered for both in-shop and mobile applications...

Boosting Your Shop's Bottom Line with an Extended Height Paint Booths

Discover how the investment in an extended-height paint booth is a game-changer for most collision shops with this Free Guide.