WILLIAMS' BILL TO GIVE INSURANCE CUSTOMERS A BREAK

 HARRISBURG, MARCH 6 – State Sen. Connie Williams introduced legislation to give auto insurance customers a discount for installing new technology that would help police locate their vehicle if is reported stolen.

 Williams' bill (S.B. 1298) would bring Pennsylvania in line with a number of other states (Florida, New York and New Jersey, among others) in requiring auto insurance companies to offer customers a discount for installing vehicle recovery system technology into their vehicles. This discount would be on top of discounts regularly offered for vehicles with anti-theft devices.

 "The new technology today can greatly aid police in their attempts to recover stolen vehicles," Williams said. "Not only is this a real savings for police, but also a savings for consumers and for auto insurers. Finally, it can help cut down on auto thefts – what thief wants to steal a vehicle that can be tracked within minutes?"

 Installation of a vehicle recovery system involves the placement of a small wireless radio-frequency transceiver inside the vehicle. The transceivers are hidden. Radio signals are not emitted unless the unit is activated. To activate the system, a vehicle owner need only call the police. Police can then use a computer system that matches the vehicle identification number to the recovery system. Once matched, the in-vehicle transceiver is automatically activated and begins emitting silent radio signals, which can be tracked by law enforcement units equipped with tracking devices.

 Vehicle recovery systems can be installed after-market by certified installer for a nominal fee. At the time of installation, the vehicle is automatically registered by the recovery system company with local and state law enforcement.

 Currently, the system is running in Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia counties.

 "These are passive systems, meaning that vehicle owners must seek system activation," Williams said. "The system cannot be used to track a vehicle unless the owner calls police to report it stolen or missing."

 According to Williams, insurance discounts already are offered to consumers who purchase vehicles with anti-theft devices. Her legislation would create a similar discount for consumers who invest in the latest technology, which will help to ensure that stolen vehicles are recovered in a timely fashion.