Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday passed House Bill 284, sponsored by Representative Pete Kott.

HB 284 changes Alaska statutes to permit payment under uninsured motorist coverage upon testimony of an uninvolved third party that a motor vehicle involved in an accident left the scene without being identified.

"The bill closes a loophole in current law which requires direct contact between the victim and an uninsured vehicle," said Kott. "While protecting insurance companies against false claims being made it permits citizens to collect under their uninsured motorist insurance when they cannot contact a driver who has left the scene."

HB 284 passed the House on reconsideration 28-11 and now moves to the Senate.