Self-insurance by religious sects for purposes of motor vehicle financial responsibility and liability insurance requirements. (FE)

Also under current law, if a motor vehicle accident results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more, DOT is required to notify the operator and the owner of the vehicle that the person must deposit with DOT security for the accident in an amount sufficient to satisfy any resulting judgment for damages. If DOT receives a copy of a judgment for damages of $500 or more arising out of a motor vehicle accident, the person against whom the judgment was rendered is required to provide proof of financial responsibility. In both situations, proof of financial responsibility includes coverage under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy with specified minimum liability limits. In lieu of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, a person may show that the person is a self-insurer possessing a certificate of self-insurance issued by DOT.

Under this bill, upon application, DOT may issue a certificate of self-insurance to a religious sect the members of which have a history of mutual financial assistance and have collectively registered with DOT more than 25 vehicles. If DOT issues a certificate of self-insurance to a religious sect, the certificate of self-insurance may be used in lieu of motor vehicle liability insurance by members of the religious sect to satisfy proof of financial responsibility and mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements.