Georgia CommonsHB 1319: Insurance; premium discount for motor vehicles with certain antitheft devices; provisions
Last action February 19, 2026 · House Second Readers
A Georgia House bill would let auto insurers offer premium discounts on comprehensive coverage for vehicles equipped with aftermarket antitheft kill switches, starting July 1, 2026.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the bill and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
Georgia law does not currently address insurance discounts tied to antitheft devices installed after a vehicle is purchased. This bill would add a new section to the state's insurance code allowing (but not requiring) insurers that sell private passenger auto or commercial motor vehicle insurance to offer a premium discount for vehicles fitted with an aftermarket kill switch designed to prevent unauthorized use. The discount would apply specifically to comprehensive coverage, the part of an auto policy that covers non-collision losses like theft. Insurers would have to get any such discount approved through their normal rate filing process with the Commissioner of Insurance, who would also be authorized to write rules to implement the law. The bill defines antitheft device narrowly, excluding ignition interlock devices used for DUI cases. It would take effect July 1, 2026, and apply to rate filings submitted on or after that date.
What the bill does
- Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 33-9-45) allowing insurers to offer a premium discount for vehicles with aftermarket antitheft kill switches.
- Limits the discount to comprehensive coverage within private passenger auto and commercial motor vehicle insurance policies.
- Requires any such discount to go through the insurer's standard rate filing process for approval by the Commissioner of Insurance.
- Gives the Commissioner authority to create rules and regulations to carry out the new discount provision.
- Defines 'antitheft device' as an aftermarket kill switch, explicitly excluding ignition interlock devices used in DUI cases.
- Sets the law to take effect July 1, 2026, applying to rate filings submitted on or after that date.
Who it affects
Auto insurance companies licensed to sell private passenger or commercial motor vehicle policies in Georgia, vehicle owners who install aftermarket antitheft kill switches, and the Georgia Commissioner of Insurance, who would review related rate filings and could issue implementing rules.
Why it matters
Georgia drivers who install antitheft kill switches could see lower comprehensive coverage premiums if their insurer chooses to offer the discount, since the bill makes it optional rather than mandatory. Insurers would gain a clear legal basis to file such discounts, and the Commissioner would oversee approval.
Key provisions
- Section 1 creates new Code Section 33-9-45, defining 'antitheft device' as an aftermarket kill switch that is not an ignition interlock device.
- Section 1(b) permits insurers to offer a premium discount on comprehensive coverage for vehicles with these devices, subject to rate filing approval.
- Section 1(c) authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to adopt rules and regulations to implement the discount.
- Section 2 sets the effective date as July 1, 2026, and applies it to rate filings submitted on or after that date.
- Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws.
From the bill
“the term 'antitheft device' means any aftermarket kill switch designed to prevent unauthorized use”
“Any insurer authorized to write private passenger automobile insurance or commercial motor vehicle insurance within this state may provide a premium discount for motor vehicles with antitheft devices.”
Status timeline
- House Second Readers (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-004)
Topics
- auto insurance
- insurance rates
- vehicle theft prevention
- insurance regulation