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Township no longer billing drivers for non-injury accidents

Sugarcreek Twp. doesn’t renew contract with Springfield company.

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 9:07 PM Friday, February 10, 2012

Sugarcreek Twp. trustees this week ceased billing drivers and their insurance companies for emergency response to non-injury accidents.

Township trustees voted to not renew their contract with their billing-provider, Springfield-based billing company Cost Recover Corporation.

“I don’t want to add more stress to somebody that’s just been in an accident,” said Township Trustee Chairwoman Nadine Daugherty. “I just didn’t feel like maybe it was the right thing to do.”

Cost Recovery Corp. President Regina Moore-Jones said the decision paved the way for “literally double profit for insurance.”

“When negligent driving fees are halted, insurance is able to keep your premium dollars and also enjoy the financial benefits of taxpayers picking up their negligent policyholder’s tab,” she said.

Seven local communities began accident fee billing in recent years to bring in revenue by charging negligent non-residents for emergency services called to the scenes of non-injury vehicle accidents.

Franklin and Springfield have also ceased billing recently; three other communities — Butler Twp., Fairborn and Vandalia — are still billing for such services.

Township trustees left the door open for staff to come back to them with another contract later that provides more oversight of billing.

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