Missouri Fines Insurer Safe Auto for Alleged Violations

Missouri motorists insured by Safe Auto may receive a refund or credit following a market conduct examination conducted by the Missouri Department of Insurance.

The department said the auto insurer failed to provide anti-theft discounts on vehicles that qualified for the discount between 2008 and 2015.

In addition to paying refunds to consumers, the insurer will also pay an $80,000 fine to be deposited in the Missouri State School Fund.

The department said its examination found that Safe Auto only provided the discount to policyholders who affirmatively indicated that the vehicle contained anti-theft equipment, rather than to all policyholders whose vehicles contained such equipment.

Additionally, Safe Auto allegedly failed to provide discounts for airbag, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and passive restraints on certain vehicles in which insurance quotes were issued via the insurer’s website, the insurance department said.