Driving History in Mass.

Thirty years ago, the last time Massachusetts tried to introduce competitive rating into private passenger auto insurance, Democrat Michael Dukakis was governor. That experiment lasted about seven months before being abandoned when rates skyrocketed for urban and young drivers. Now, 30 years later, another Democrat, Deval Patrick, is in the governor’s chair, and taking the political risk of changing the system, introducing what Insurance Commissioner Nonnie Burnes is calling “managed competition” beginning in April 2008. The competition comes with some restrictions, including a ban on the use of credit scores. Insurers have already filed rates for 2008 start date and officials hope some new carriers will also be enticed to enter the fray.