Auto insurance representatives met with The Tribune Editorial Board on Thursday to voice concerns about SB149, which would boost required coverages for the first time in 15 years.

Policy holders could expect to see a 4 percent to 10 percent jump in their rates or an average $72 increase per year.

"This bill presents a solution without a problem," said Gary Thorup, an attorney for Property Casualty Insurance Association of America.

Sponsored by Sen. Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, the measure would force drivers to increase their minimum bodily injury and property damage liability coverage by $20,000 overall.

Current liability caps are $25,000 for one person injured, $50,000 for two or more, and $15,000 for property damage. SB149 would increase those to $30,000, $60,000 and $20,000 respectively.

Thorup said 91 percent of Utah's insurance claims get resolved under the current minimum limits. In 2007, Utah's average claim for bodily injuries was $11,000, for property damage $2,700, Thorup said.

"We oppose this bill," said Chris Purcell, a claims attorney for State Farm Insurance. "There's a segment of the population - the working poor, people on fixed incomes and young married couples - who could get priced out of the market."

Proponents of the bill say that medical and property costs have risen dramatically, so injury- and damage-related costs can easily exceed the minimum coverage.

"Time and again I have people tell me who get involved in very severe accidents, they look at the policy limits and it doesn't even begin to address the costs," said Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, during a floor debate earlier this month.

Thorup agrees with that argument.

"For catastrophic accidents, no one can carry enough insurance," he said.

However, the goal of the auto insurance industry is to keep as many drivers insured as possible, Thorup said, adding that SB149 could push those on the bubble over the edge.

Steve Trayner, also an attorney for State Farm, expects other effects. "The way our laws are structured, liability limits work in tandem with uninsured and underinsured coverage," Trayner said. "The net effect will be to raise those as well."

SB149 awaits a hearing in the House, which could happen as early as Monday. With the Legislative session ending Wednesday at midnight, the bill could die for lack of time.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com