Intriguing New Insurance Laws from 2010

Another year has come and gone -- and many insurance laws and regulations have been passed in various states throughut the nation. Below are just of few of the most interesting new laws and rules.

* In California, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner made headlines when he enacted regulations to would permit insurance carriers to offer "pay-as'you-drive" auto insurance policies. Thus far two of the state's largest insurers -- State Farm and the Auto Club -- have taken the commissioner up on his idea. PAYD auto insurance adjusts one's premiums according to the number of miles driven annually.

* In New York City and Salem, N.J., the cities are beginning to charge a "crash tax" (aka, accident response fees). Officials in the cities have announced they will be passing the cost of city-provided emergency response services to drivers who cause car accidents within their city.

* In Michigan youthful operators' driving privileges are being restricted. The governor signed a bill that limits when and how beginning motorists can drive. Similar graduated licensing programs already exist in several states.