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Bill

SB 351

Private Passenger Motor Vehicle Insurance - Use of Programs That Measure the Operation of an Insured Vehicle

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alonzo Washington

SB 351 regulates Maryland insurers' telematics programs that monitor vehicle operation, establishing privacy protections and consumer disclosure requirements for usage-based auto insurance.

Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 351

Legislative bill overview

SB 351 establishes regulatory parameters for insurance companies offering usage-based insurance (UBI) programs that monitor how policyholders operate their vehicles through telematics devices or mobile apps. The bill would set standards for data collection, privacy protections, and consumer disclosures related to these monitoring programs in Maryland's private passenger auto insurance market.

Why is this important

Usage-based insurance programs are expanding rapidly and can reduce premiums for safe drivers, but they also raise privacy concerns since insurers collect detailed location and driving behavior data. Clear legislative standards protect consumers from potential misuse of sensitive information while allowing insurers to offer incentive-based products that may lower rates for responsible drivers.

Potential points of contention

  • Data privacy and surveillance concerns: Opponents may worry that telematics monitoring constitutes excessive tracking of drivers' movements and habits, with questions about data security, retention periods, and third-party access
  • Equity and discrimination issues: Critics could argue that monitoring programs may disadvantage lower-income drivers or those in rural areas with longer commutes, potentially perpetuating insurance disparities
  • Consumer transparency and consent: Debates may emerge over whether current disclosure requirements are sufficient, what "opt-in" means in practice, and whether consumers truly understand data collection implications before enrolling

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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