MCRS is amending its insurance rule to allow motor carriers to file their required proof of insurance coverage by fax or electronic means.
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The Missouri Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety (MCRS) is amending its insurance rule to allow motor carriers under state authority to file their required proof of insurance coverage by fax or electronic means.
The Division previously accepted fax insurance binders if followed by the originals within 15 days. Under the amended rule, which became effective Jan. 2, MCRS will accept faxes or copies as final proof of insurance and will implement electronic insurance filings by insurers. The public may file comments for or against permanent adoption of these changes until Feb. 15. MCRS expects that the proposed amendment will be final June 30.
The National Online Registries (NOR), a Colorado corporation and subsidiary of the National Information Consortium Inc. (NIC), has been working with the National Conference of State Transportation Specialists to create a nationwide clearinghouse on the Internet for the electronic filing of proof of insurance for the transportation industry. MCRS has signed an agreement to participate in this Motor Carrier Insurance Exchange Program as a means to receive proof of
insurance. Insurance companies will also enter into participation agreements to make the filings with the states via the clearinghouse.
The NOR clearinghouse will allow the insurance industry to view data provided by the states to ensure correct filing. Through this system, MCRS may accept or reject the insurance filings with immediate notice back to the insurance company making the filing.
“The new system will reduce the time needed to make an insurance filing and to comply with the state’s requirements,” said MCRS Director Steve Waters. “The system also will reduce the state’s costs in processing and obtaining correct insurance filings for motor carriers.”
The Missouri Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety (MCRS) is a regulatory agency within the state’s Department of Economic Development. The agency grants licenses and regulates motor carriers for hire that operate on public highways within the state. In addition, the MCRS oversees the safety of all Missouri-based motor carriers. The agency has 22 field inspectors in six regional offices throughout the state conducting inspections to help ensure the
safest possible transportation system.
MCRS is currently developing and testing a new paperless office system, in which this new electronic filing of proof of insurance will fit nicely. For more information on the newly amended rule, contact the Missouri Division of Motor Carrier and Railroad Safety at (573) 751-7100 or visit their web site at ttp://www.ecodev.state.mo.us/mcrs/.