(06/12/06) TRENTON ? Lawmakers heard testimony in Trenton Monday on the criteria used by car insurance companies to gauge individual rates.

Representatives of NJ Citizen Action say certain parameters used by insurance companies, such as education, are discriminatory. According to NJ Citizen Action representatives, auto insurance companies are unfairly targeting minorities with their practices. They are hoping lawmakers step in and regulate rate pricing in New Jersey.

Auto insurance representatives also spoke their mind to legislators, saying statistics back up their pricing criteria. They also claim factors like education are just a small part of the overall picture. No matter what the sides argue, some fear the debate will cause a huge step backwards for auto insurance in the Garden State. Rates have recently become more competitive in New Jersey, and drivers want them to stay that way.