HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 87

(By Delegate Howell)

[Introduced April 1, 2021]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study empowering the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol to submit billing reimbursement for the cost of their services to automobile insurance carriers who provide roadside assistance.

Whereas, The West Virginia Courtesy Patrol provides 24/7 patrol and assistance to motorists on the West Virginia parkways where they provide assistance to stranded motorists with flat tires, jump starts, low oil, low water, contacting wrecker services, minor engine problems, and maintaining traffic control during motorist assists and accidents; and

Whereas, The Courtesy Patrol receives approximately 120,000 calls for assistance in an average year; and

Whereas, Many auto insurance carriers provide insureds with roadside assistance as an optional coverage where they facilitate assistance to insureds with similar concerns, such as flat tires, jump starts, and contacting wrecker services, at no additional out-of-pocket costs; and

Whereas, West Virginia’s Courtesy Patrol would financially benefit from reimbursement from auto insurance carriers providing coverage for roadside assistance for services rendered within the State of West Virginia where applicable coverage is available; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance undertake a study of the legality and logistics of obtaining pertinent motorist information for subrogation from insurers providing applicable roadside assistance coverage for services rendered by the West Virginia Courtesy Patrol; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2022, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation or resolutions necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from the legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.