As we previously reported, SF’s new budget included a proposal that drivers at fault in a car accident be charged a clean-up fee by the SFFD. The charges could range from $249 to $498 dollars, depending on the extent of the clean up. And this proposal has moved forward, as the Board of Supervisors approved the new fee yesterday in an 11-0 vote.
The motorists themselves will not be charged directly. The bill will be sent to the insurance companies although it is likely that drivers will end up paying for it in the end. Depending on your policy, you could pay out of pocket. Insurance companies also plan to raise driver’s rates. The heaviest opposition to the fee came from the insurance companies that claim it is unfair because we already pay taxes to the SFFD.
The SFFD responds to more than 4,000 accidents each year. The fee is expected to generate $626,000 during the current fiscal year. This is one of many new fees in Newsom’s budget proposal that seeks to close a $483 million budget deficit.
