(DeWitt, New York, Feb. 26, 2015) — Independent insurance producers played a part in the New York State government’s recent move to make law compliance more convenient for drivers. The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York were specifically mentioned in yesterday’s announcement by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. The department proposed allowing insurance companies to issue electronic automobile insurance identification cards.
If adopted, the DMV’s proposal would allow drivers to display on cell phones and other electronic devices evidence that they carry required insurance coverage. Current regulations require the cards to be in paper form.
The DMV said that it consulted with several interested groups while drafting the proposed regulations, including insurance groups. On the DMV’s behalf, the Property Casualty Insurers asked IIABNY to weigh in on the proposal. IIABNY supported the change, saying that any negative effects on insurance producers would be minimal since they do not issue permanent I.D. cards.
Under the proposed rules, insurance companies would have the option of issuing the cards electronically, but only with the consent of the persons named on the cards. Law enforcement officers and DMV personnel would have to accept electronic cards as proof of insurance. Temporary I.D. cards, which are typically issued by insurance agents and brokers, would still have to be in paper form. Certain types of businesses would also still have to carry paper cards.
The DMV is accepting public comments on the proposed rules until mid-April. The text of the department’s announcement is available for download at http://docs.dos.ny.gov/info/register/2015/feb25/pdf/rulemaking.pdf#page=30.
The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of New York, Inc. has represented the common business interests of independent insurance professionals since 1882. More than 1,750 agencies and their 13,000 plus employees currently rely on the DeWitt, New York-based not-for-profit trade association for legislative advocacy, continuing education and other means of industry support. In addition, most IIABNY members proudly identify themselves as Trusted Choice® agents and brokers, a national consumer brand uniting more than 21,000 independent agencies across the United States. For more information, go to www.trustedchoice.com or www.iiabny.org.