Insurers Pleased with Privacy Terms of Maine’s New ‘Black Box’ Law

A new Maine law (LD 1885) aimed at protecting the privacy of motorists with event data recorders (EDRs), or “black boxes,” in their vehicles, contains important safeguards for insurers supported by the insurance industry.

“This new law protects the legitimate privacy rights of motorists while preserving access for insurers to necessary and pertinent information,” said John Murphy, American Insurance Association, vice president, Northeast Region.

The bill, which has been signed into law, ensures access to EDR data as part of routine discovery in a civil or criminal case. It also states that it does not affect an insured’s duty to cooperate in the processing of claims as provided in their insurance contract.

“These two provisions were put forth by AIA to ensure that motor vehicle accident claims can be handled swiftly and accurately, with the best information available,” added Murphy.