Advocacy

​In response to Big I New York's advocacy work, Kemper Personal Insurance will retroactively reinstate old commission levels for business its agents have produced since last fall. Big I New York learned this news this afternoon during a meeting with representatives of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS.) The carrier should formally notify its agents by the end of this month.The carrier, which announced last summer its intention to exit preferred auto and home markets countrywide, has taken several steps to reduce its volume in New York. These measures did not appear to comply with New York Insurance Law Section 3425. That…

​On Wednesday, March 20th, the New York State Assembly Insurance Committee voted in favor of two of our high priority bills. The first bill will eliminate the anti arson application in New York City​, which is the only jurisdiction which still requires it. The second bill makes common-sense changes to the recent supplemental spousal liability opt-out law. The changes will exempt unmarried policyholders from automatic enrollment in the coverage, and will not apply automatic enrollment to commercial auto policies. Big I New York has lobbied strongly in support of both bills and recently met with committee chairman David Weprin (D, Queens), to express our support for…

​In November 2023, Big I NY celebrated the signature of our top priority bill, which will allow carriers to waive CARCO photo for any or all vehicles in NY. Here is all you need to know about how this will work!When can carriers begin waiving photo inspections? The new law will become effective on May 15th, 2024. We anticipate that many carriers will begin waiving photo inspections on or shortly after this date.How long will carriers be allowed to waive photo inspections? Until October 1, 2027 if the law is not extended or made permanent. Big I NY is committed to making these changes permanent.Do…