Rule changes eyed for insurance fund

Several lawmakers again will resist a proposal requiring the state-operated auto insurance fund to accept installment payments despite high-profile backing including Gov. Martin O?Malley.

Advocates said legislation requiring the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund ? a fallback insurer for many low-income motorists ? to accept payment installments like private companies, can save the average customer as much as $300. Many MAIF customers can?t afford to pay their premium upfront and have to turn to finance companies, which charge 20 percent or more in interest and fees, supporters said.