A new auto insurance online verification system is coming to New York in three years, thanks to a bill approved yesterday. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law Senate Bill 5331-A, establishing the modernized system. Senate Insurance Committee Chair Jamaal T. Bailey (D – Bronx, Westchester) and Assembly Insurance Committee Chair David I. Weprin (D – Queens) sponsored the measure.
This much-needed reform replaces the 25-year-old Insurance Information and Enforcement System (IIES). For decades, IIES has frustrated drivers, agents, and insurers with data mismatches, delays, and unnecessary license or registration suspensions. The new system will bring greater accuracy, efficiency, and fairness to insurance verification statewide.
Big I New York has been a strong vocal advocate for this modernization, urging lawmakers and the governor to replace IIES. We highlighted how the current system’s flaws often penalize insured drivers for simple data-entry errors or minor discrepancies. For example, entering “Mike" on an insurance application when the Department of Motor Vehicles records use “Michael."
Work on the modernization should begin soon. However, the law does not take effect until December 31, 2028. Insurance agents and brokers will continue using IIES to issue auto insurance identification cards in the meantime. You can expect a new system for issuing them in 2029.
We thank Governor Hochul, Senator Bailey, Assemblymember Weprin, and all who supported this important reform. This is a victory for modernization, fairness, all New York motorists, and the insurance agents and brokers who serve them.