New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S03776

Introduced
1/29/25  
Refer
1/29/25  

Caption

Prohibits cancellation, non-renewal or conditioning renewal of automobile insurance of a policyholder solely as a result of a dispute or a complaint pending against the insurer.

Summary

Bill S03776 aims to amend the New York insurance law by prohibiting insurers from canceling or refusing to renew automobile insurance policies solely based on a disputed claim or a pending complaint against the insurer. This legislation seeks to protect policyholders from losing their coverage during disputes, ensuring that they can maintain their insurance even when there are disagreements about claims. The bill introduces a new subsection to Section 3425 of the insurance law, specifically addressing the conditions under which insurers can act regarding policy renewals.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of automobile insurance in New York by providing greater security for policyholders. It would prevent insurers from using ongoing disputes as a reason to cancel or condition the renewal of policies, thereby promoting fairness in the insurance process. This change could lead to increased consumer confidence in their insurance providers and a reduction in the number of policy cancellations during disputes, ultimately impacting the overall insurance market dynamics in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill S03776 appears to be generally supportive among consumer advocacy groups, as it aims to protect policyholders from potential abuses by insurers. However, there may be concerns from insurance companies regarding the implications of limiting their ability to manage risk associated with disputed claims. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full spectrum of opinions from legislators.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the insurance industry, which could argue that the bill restricts their ability to assess risk and manage their portfolios effectively. Insurers might express concerns that this legislation could lead to increased costs for them, which could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher premiums. Conversely, consumer advocates are likely to support the bill, emphasizing the need for protections against unfair practices by insurers during claim disputes.

Companion Bills

NY A07185

Same As Prohibits cancellation, non-renewal or conditioning renewal of automobile insurance of a policyholder solely as a result of a dispute or a complaint pending against the insurer.

Previously Filed As

NY S02534

Prohibits cancellation, non-renewal or conditioning renewal of automobile insurance of a policyholder solely as a result of a dispute or a complaint pending against the insurer.

NY A07185

Prohibits cancellation, non-renewal or conditioning renewal of automobile insurance of a policyholder solely as a result of a dispute or a complaint pending against the insurer.

NY S2011

Amends the regulations on the cancellation and renewal of liability and property damage insurance for automobiles, homeowners insurance, residential fire insurance and components thereof.

NY S09207

Prohibits restrictions on insurance policies based solely on the policyholder harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds.

NY S10019

Prohibits insurer from increasing auto insurance premiums upon renewal for persons 60 years of age or over based solely on the ground of the insured's age.

NY A10272

Prohibits restrictions on insurance policies based solely on the policyholder harboring or owning any dog of a specific breed or mixture of breeds.

NY HB258

Provides relative to automobile liability insurance premiums of policyholders sixty-five years of age or older

NY S701

Relative to electronic notices of the cancellation, renewal or nonrenewal of insurance policies

NY A4570

Prohibits automobile insurers from increasing automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in automobile accidents.

NY HB2800

Fire insurance; policy cancellation; prohibition

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.