At-Fault Accident Fee
The city council at Port Richey tentatively approved a proposal to charge auto insurance companies and most nonresidents who cause accidents within city limits a fee to cover emergency services. Cost-recovery programs have become an attractive revenue source for municipalities in Florida, many of which are struggling amid state-mandated property tax changes. The fees, collected by a company that specializes in cost recovery, are based on the time and materials devoted to the accident and assessed on statewide and national averages. If the insurance company refuses to pay, the cost-recovery company will go after the nonresident who caused the wreck. If a city resident is at fault, the fee is forgiven. It will be made into a law if it is approved by council a second time.
Tags: cost recovery, council