AB 725 Summary

• Renames the low-cost automobile insurance program within the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan to the "Martha Escutia and Jackie Speier low-cost automobile insurance program"

• Extends the program's sunset date from January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2016

• Establishes the program for all counties in California, with initial operations beginning April 1, 2006 in Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties

• Requires the Insurance Commissioner to determine need for expansion to other counties based on factors including uninsured motorist rates, low-income population percentages, and availability of affordable private insurance options

• Mandates public meetings in each county to discuss program need and desirability before the Commissioner makes a final determination, separate from rate-setting proceedings