Bill > A03893

This bill enacts the "Automobile Insurance Consumer Information Act" and creates an independent Office of Public Insurance Consumer Advocate to represent the interests of nonbusiness automobile and health insurance consumers. The bill establishes a comprehensive system to provide consumers with more transparency about automobile insurance rates and complaint rankings, requiring the state insurance department to maintain a database that allows consumers to easily compare insurance providers based on cost and customer service. The new law mandates that when a consumer makes an inquiry, they will receive information about the five lowest-cost insurers willing to write their policy, along with those insurers' most recent complaint rankings. The bill also creates a Public Insurance Consumer Advocate position, appointed by the governor, who will have broad powers to represent consumer interests, including the ability to intervene in insurance-related proceedings, request hearings, access department records, recommend legislation, and conduct investigations. Additionally, the bill requires insurance companies to provide notices about consumer information resources and ensures that the Department of Financial Services cooperates fully with the new consumer advocate office by providing access to records and notifying the advocate about rate filings and applications. The overall goal is to make the automobile insurance system more competitive and transparent, helping consumers make more informed choices about their insurance coverage.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3893