Interpretation ID: nht72-6.13

DATE: 11/15/72

FROM: AUTHOR UNAVAILABLE; Robert L. Carter; NHTSA

TO: Department of Commerce; State of Alaska

TITLE: FMVSR INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in reply to your letter of October 4, 1972, concerning the possible misuse by automobile insurers of vehicle identification numbers (VIN's) which would be available to them under a proposed amendment to NHTSA "Defect Reports" regulations (49 CFR Part 573). You believe that the availability of such numbers could be the basis for some companies to refuse to write or to cancel insurance, and suggest that we notify state insurance commissioners of that possibility.

We appreciate your concern over the possible misuse of information obtained as a result of NHTSA regulations. However, we have no evidence at this time that such practices are occurring, and we believe it inappropriate, without evidence, to take action which raises the implication of impropriety on the part of the insurance industry. Of course, if we find evidence of misuse of information obtained as a result of NHTSA regulations, we will take steps to remedy the situation.

Your letter and our response have been placed in Docket 69-31, which concerns the reporting of VIN's. We appreciate your writing to us regarding this matter.