ALBANY, N.Y. — Faith and community leaders from across New York State gathered at the State Capitol’s Million Dollar Staircase to call on lawmakers to include Governor Kathy Hochul’s auto insurance reform plan in the final state budget.
According to the coalition, the proposal would direct the state to use the Excess Profit Law to ensure that any savings generated by the reforms are returned to consumers before insurers.
Organizers said auto insurance costs have placed a growing financial burden on working families across the state, particularly in communities of color. The coalition stated that New Yorkers pay an average of about $4,000 per year for auto insurance, roughly double the national average, with premiums reaching between $5,000 and $7,000 in some areas.
Speakers also cited a recent poll, which they said found that 86 percent of New Yorkers support reforms aimed at lowering premiums and ensuring excess insurance profits are returned to policyholders. They urged lawmakers to work with the governor to pass measures targeting fraud and system abuse, increasing transparency, and ensuring that savings are passed on to drivers.
“New Yorkers are in an affordability crisis and paying $4,000 a year for car insurance on top of everything is simply an unsustainable burden for working families,” said Tuulikki Robertson, executive director of the Black Institute. She said faith leaders and community advocates across the state are urging lawmakers to deliver relief through the state budget.
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“Budget decisions reflect our values as a state,” said Rev. Dr. Robert Waterman of Antioch Baptist Church. “When families are choosing between paying for car insurance and paying for groceries, something is very wrong.”
Rev. James A. Lewis, president of the Buffalo/Niagara National Action Network, said that for many working families, access to a car is essential for employment and daily life. He said rising insurance costs reduce the amount of money available for housing, education, and local spending.
Rev. Conrad Tillard, senior minister of the Congregational Church of South Hempstead, pointed to polling results cited by the coalition, saying they show broad public support for reducing auto insurance costs and returning excess profits to policyholders.
“New Yorkers deserve a system that works for honest drivers, not one that forces them to pay thousands more than people in other states,” said Amina Iduma, owner of Lami African Market in Nassau County. She said including auto insurance reform in the final budget would help reduce costs for residents.
Governor Hochul’s proposal includes measures to reduce auto insurance costs by addressing fraud, limiting payouts in cases involving unlawful behavior, and updating litigation rules. The plan also calls for reviewing the Excess Profit Law to ensure savings benefit consumers, while increasing transparency around rate changes and encouraging safe driving.
Citizens for Affordable Rates is a coalition of citizens, advocates, and organizations focused on addressing the causes of high auto insurance costs in New York. The group says it promotes affordability and system reforms through advocacy and public education.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on a press release issued by Citizens for Affordable Rates. The claims and data cited have not been independently verified.
