A.M. BestTV: U.S. Push for Criminal Justice Reform Takes Toll on Bail Sector, Says A.M. Best Senior Analyst

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDWICK - JUNE 21, 2018 12:55 PM (EDT)
In this ^A.M.BestTV episode, David Blades, senior industry analyst, A.M. Best, said more than 30 U.S. states are exploring reforms to their criminal justice systems, with many reducing or eliminating cash bail as part of pretrial programs. Click on http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=bailbonds618 to view the entire program.

“The push for bail reform has never been higher,” said Blades. “Bail reform at the state level is currently being considered in more than 30 states. These states are considering either constitutional amendments or having laws changed.”

Blades also addressed the issue of how these reform efforts are impacting premium levels. He said that there was definitely an impact on premiums in 2017.

He also said that some companies are more vulnerable to these reforms than are others.

“There are some companies in which bail bond insurance is 80%, 90% or even 100% of their premium revenue. So for those companies bail reform will have a significant impact, especially if they write their bail insurance in the states where these reforms are passed.”

To access a copy of this market segment special report, titled, “Was 2017 the Tipping Point for the Bail Bonds Industry?” visit http://www3.ambest.com/bestweek/purchase.asp?record_code=274444 .

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