When citizens first hear about motor vehicle emergency response fees, they may oppose the concept. They become more accepting when they understand that only at-fault, nonresident drivers will be responsible for the claim — not every driver involved in an accident.
They are usually concerned about the impact the emergency response claims will have on their insurance rates. For most at-fault drivers, the emergency response fee is less than $450. It is reasonable to assume most of the cost of the emergency response fee will be passed on to the at-fault drivers in the form of higher premiums. While it is possible a portion of the insurance companies increased costs will be spread to all policy holders, it is more likely the relatively small emergency response fee will mostly be paid by at-fault drivers.
From the fire departments perspective, however, making numerous emergency response calls, including those caused by nonresident drivers, can become quite a burden upon its resources. Taken in total, the calls can strain the city and county emergency response resources.
As citizens begin to understand the nominal size of the emergency response fee and probable minimal impact on their insurance premiums, they generally become more accepting of the concept. Finally, when citizens realize filing claims for emergency response fees is the only acceptable alternative for many fire departments, they come to accept the policy.
