ALBANY LEADERS STAND WITH LAWMAKERS FIGHTING TO LOWER AUTO INSURANCE COSTS FOR DRIVERS
Advocates Gathered In Albany To Call For $200 In Savings For New York Drivers
ALBANY – As global tensions, instability tied to Iran, rising tariffs, and increasing gas prices continued to drive up the cost of everyday life, dozens of local leaders gathered at a gas station near the State Capitol with a clear message: while Albany can’t control global forces, the State Legislature can – and must – act to pass Governor Hochul’s plan to lower auto insurance costs and return money directly to New York drivers.
Elected officials, faith leaders, community advocates, small business owners, and residents stood together to highlight the growing financial strain facing New York families, where many rely on driving to get to work, school, and essential services. Beyond rising gas prices, New Yorkers are paying over $4,000 annually on average for auto insurance – among the highest in the country – adding another major burden to already stretched household budgets.
“With global instability escalating – from conflict in Iran to tariffs and rising fuel prices – the affordability crisis is only getting worse for families across New York,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “Albany cannot control global energy markets or foreign conflicts, but it can act on what it regulates here at home. The State Legislature has the power to lower premiums and put at least $200 back into the hands of drivers. Let’s get this done now.”
“From gas pumps to grocery stores, every part of life is more expensive right now,” said Tullikki Robertson of the Black Institute. “The state can’t end the President’s wars or tariffs, but we can address auto insurance. It is one of the clearest opportunities we have this session to deliver immediate, measurable savings for drivers across the state.”
Advocates say the Governor’s proposal to strengthen New York’s excess profits protections would require insurers to return excess profits to policyholders instead of retaining them – creating direct relief for consumers.
“New Yorkers are being stretched to the limit, and auto insurance costs are one of the growing burdens they face,” said Rev. Constance D. Knight, Pastor of Welcome Chapel MBC. “The State has a responsibility to act on reforms that bring real relief – and the Governor’s proposal is estimated to put at least $200 back into the pockets of working families. We must work together to help New Yorkers facing this affordability crisis.”
“New York drivers and businesses can’t wait for global conditions to improve,” said Kyle Wallach of the Business Council of New York State. “We need state-level action that directly reduces costs, and auto insurance reform is one of the fastest ways to make that happen.”
“Families are getting hit from all sides – global wars, tariffs, and rising gas prices are all driving through the roof,” said business leader Sagine Pierre Charles. “Albany can’t control what happens overseas, but the Legislature can pass the Governor’s proposal to lower auto insurance costs and put hundreds of dollars back in people’s pockets.”
If fully enacted, the Citizens Budget Commission reports the plan would deliver direct relief, putting approximately $200 or more back into the pockets of New York drivers.
