NY First Launches Media Campaign in Support of Photo Inspection Reform
Today, NY First, Big I NY’s coalition of agents and independent insurance carriers, issued a press release kicking off our public relations campaign aimed at building support for legislation to make auto photo inspections (CARCOs) optional at the discretion of insurers.
The bill, dubbed the Auto Insurance Consumer Relief Act (S.6028), passed the New York State Assembly with bipartisan support at the end of March. If enacted, the bill will make it easier for customers to obtain comprehensive and collision coverage, and provide regulatory relief to consumers, independent agents and brokers, and insurance companies.
In the coming month, Big I NY agents and our carrier partners will take to the media to amplify our call to free customers of this needless and burdensome inspection requirement.
Do you have a story to share about this issue? A memorable story of a customer who had difficulty getting an inspection, or worse, lost coverage or had an uncovered loss because they were unable to complete it in time? Email Scott Hobson.
“Every year, auto insurers in New York are required to perform physical inspections of cars to address fraudulent damage to vehicles, resulting in higher premiums for New Yorkers,” said Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, the bill’s sponsor. “While this provision made sense at the time it was enacted, today we have better ways of preventing insurance fraud that are far more cost effective. It is time that insurance companies have the ability to put an end to this antiquated process and pass those savings on to drivers.”
“Insurance agents know all too well that mandatory photo inspections are a barrier for many motorists in New York. Making these inspections voluntary at the discretion of insurance carriers will streamline the process of obtaining insurance, helping more New Yorkers get covered and stay covered,” said NY First Co-chair Ron Brunell. “I applaud Assemblyman Zebrowski for passing this bill in the Assembly and Senator Breslin for championing it in the Senate. I am proud to work in unison with the insurance carriers and hope to see this important bill become law.”
“Allowing insurers to waive photo inspections will improve access to auto insurance for consumers throughout the state,” said NY First Co-chair Dan Bierbrauer. “The Auto Insurance Consumer Relief Act will help New Yorkers stay insured while saving time and money, and help insurers deliver better results for our customers. I am pleased to be collaborating with the agent and broker community, along with our elected officials in Albany to support this pro-consumer initiative.”
Read the full press release here.
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