HB 1319: Insurance; premium discount for motor vehicles with certain antitheft devices; provisions

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

• 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.

1. 2026-02-19House Second Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2026-02-18House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2026-02-17House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-004)Patrocinador principal

• auto insurance
• insurance rates
• vehicle theft prevention
• insurance regulation