Bill gives insurance consumers new court protections

The Minnesota Senate has passed the final version of a bill aimed at allowing consumers to go to court if they disagree with claims paid by home and auto insurance companies.

Supporters say the bill would give ordinary people greater standing in court if they disagree with their insurance companies.

Critics of the bill, like Republican Senate Majority Leader Dave Senjem, said they're worried the bill will increase insurance premiums.

"I would suggest that if it's the case then this is not a good idea. Higher caps mean more litigation. More litigation means higher premiums. Higher premiums - bad for people," said Senjem.

The bill would limit insurance policyholders to recovering $250 thousand in damages and $100 thousand in attorneys fees if they could show that their claim was unreasonably denied.

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