Bill > A03851

This bill amends the New York Penal Law to expand the definition of "staging a motor vehicle accident in the second degree," a specific type of insurance fraud. Currently, the law prohibits a person from intentionally causing a vehicle collision with the intent to commit a fraudulent insurance act. The proposed amendment broadens the scope of the offense by adding language that makes it illegal to direct, hire, request, encourage, orchestrate, or invite another individual to cause a vehicle collision for fraudulent purposes. This means that not only the person directly causing the collision can be charged, but also anyone who orchestrates or participates in planning such a fraudulent accident. The offense remains classified as a class E felony, which typically involves potential imprisonment and significant legal consequences. By expanding the definition, the bill aims to provide law enforcement with more tools to combat insurance fraud schemes involving staged vehicle accidents, which can be costly for insurance companies and lead to dangerous road conditions.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3851