New York Drivers Face Rising Costs: Staten Island Leaders Call For Legislature To Act To Lower Insurance Rates

 

See below for a video and photos from the event, and the post-event release:

 

Editor’s note: We’ve covered this issue before, including the support from local leaders for new reforms to the auto insurance industry proposed by Governor Hochul.  

STATEN ISLAND LEADERS: WITH GLOBAL COSTS RISING FOR DRIVERS, LEGISLATURE MUST ACT NOW TO LOWER AUTO INSURANCE

 

At Staten Island Gas Station, Advocates Highlight Affordability Crisis for SI Families and Back Plan to Deliver $200 in Savings to Drivers

 

STATEN ISLAND – As global tensions, instability tied to Iran, rising tariffs, and increasing gas prices continue to drive up the cost of everyday life, Staten Island leaders gathered today at a gas station on Bay Street with a clear message: while Albany can’t control global forces, the State Legislature can – and must – act now to pass the Governor’s plan to lower auto insurance costs and return money directly to New York drivers.

 

Faith leaders, community advocates, small business owners, and residents stood at the pumps to highlight the growing financial strain facing Staten Island families, where driving is not optional, but essential to daily life. 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 soaring gas prices – the affordability crisis is only getting worse for Staten Island families. Albany cannot set foreign policy or control global energy markets, but it can act decisively on what it regulates here in New York: auto insurance. The State Legislature has the power to lower premiums and put at least $200 back into the hands of drivers. They must take action,” said Bishop Victor Brown, pastor at Mt. Sinai United Christian Church on Staten Island.

 

Advocates pointed to the Governor’s proposal to strengthen New York’s excess profits protections, which require insurers to return excess profits to policyholders rather than keeping them. If fully enacted, independent experts say the plan would deliver direct relief, putting $200 or more back into the pockets of drivers.

“New Yorkers are in an affordability crisis and paying $4,000 a year for car insurance on top of everything is simply an unsustainable burden for working families,” said Tuulikki Robertson, Executive Director of the Black Institute. “Faith leaders and community advocates are speaking with one voice: lawmakers must use this year’s budget to deliver real relief and put hundreds of dollars back into the pockets of drivers across our state. The time for delays is over. Pass this now.”

 

“Every day I see families struggling with rent, food, and rising bills – and car insurance has become one of the biggest burdens at over $4,000 a year or more,” said Rev. Conrad B. Tiller, Sr., Senior Pastor of the Congregational Church of South Hempstead. “People ask who can fix it, and the answer is Albany. Passing the Governor’s proposals will generate at least $200 in savings. The state legislature can pass this plan and deliver real relief. The time to get this done is now.”  

 

Banner Image: Press conference. Image Credit – CAR