Siena Poll: Democrats and Republicans Agree Billboard Lawyer Fees Drive Up Insurance Costs
73% of Voters Say “No Doubt” High Attorneys’ Fees Increase Insurance Premiums
Albany, NY – As Gov. Kathy Hochul leads the charge against costly lawsuits and fraudulent claims that drive up the cost of auto insurance for working families, a new Siena Poll finds that a majority of New York’s registered Democrats and Republicans agree that personal injury lawyer profits increase insurance costs — and they take far too much and leave too little for their clients. Reducing lawyers’ fees to 10 to 20% of a settlement would make the system more fair, most voters say.
“Democrats and Republicans rarely agree on much these days, but they agree the scales of New York’s civil justice system are tipped in favor of billboard lawyer profits — and it’s making insurance unaffordable for working families,” said Tom Stebbins, Executive Director of the Lawsuit Reform Alliance of New York. “Gov. Hochul’s affordability agenda takes aim at runaway litigation and profiteering that drives up premiums, and voters are clearly with her. Reducing lawsuit costs, as the governor proposes, will help restore fairness to the system and put consumers first. It’s time for the New York State Legislature to join the party, back her proposals, and deliver real affordability for struggling New Yorkers.”
The Siena Poll finds broad bipartisan agreement that the current system benefits personal injury lawyers at consumers’ expense:
- 80% of Democrats and 76% of Republicans are in favor of reducing the contingency fees charged by personal injury lawyers.
- 74% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans say there is “no doubt” that high fees charged by personal injury lawyers drives up insurance costs for everyone.
- 72% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans say capping the fees lawyers charge would ultimately benefit consumers.
- 57% of voters say the current system where lawyers take 33% of every settlement or verdict is too much.
- 67% of voters say 10% or 20% would be fairer.
- 61% of voters say billboard lawyers act like they care about victims, but they are really only out for themselves.
National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) New York State Director Ashley Ranslow said, “Small business owners are navigating rising expenses on every front, and skyrocketing auto insurance premiums impact the entire supply chain. The result is higher coverage costs for company vehicles, higher delivery costs, and higher wholesale prices — all of which squeeze margins and make it harder to grow a business, create jobs, and control prices. This poll shows New Yorkers understand that excessive lawsuit costs are part of the problem. Gov. Hochul’s proposals take meaningful steps to rein in abuse, restore balance to the system, and bring much-needed relief to Main Street businesses and the communities they serve.”
Kendra Hems, President of the Trucking Association of New York said, “New York’s small, family-owned trucking businesses have operated for generations and form the backbone of our economy. When litigation costs and fraud inflate insurance premiums, it threatens trucking companies’ ability to hire drivers and keep costs down for customers. This ultimately raises the price of goods to consumers across the state. Voters recognize that the current system benefits lawyers while driving up costs for everyone else. Gov. Hochul’s proposals are an important step toward restoring balance and protecting the local businesses that keep New York moving and the economy functioning.”
As New Yorkers continue to face rising costs, the poll highlights a clear opportunity for Albany to back Gov. Hochul’s proposed reforms that rein in lawsuit costs and make auto insurance more affordable.
This Siena Poll was conducted for the New York Civil Justice Institute January 20 – 25, 2026, among 801 NYS Registered Voters.
The New York Civil Justice Institute is a nonprofit, non-partisan research organization committed to providing objective analysis and policy recommendations for issues affecting New York’s civil justice system.
The Siena Research Institute, directed by Donald Levy, Ph.D., conducts political, economic, social, and cultural research primarily in NYS. SRI, an independent, non-partisan research institute, subscribes to the American Association of Public Opinion Research Code of Professional Ethics and Practices.
