Ball, Astorino Talk Insurance Fraud in Peekskill

State Senator Greg Ball recently called for auto insurance reform at Peekskill’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

“New York State has some of the highest auto rates, in large part to legislative loopholes that have allowed criminal enterprises and organized crime to turn auto insurance fraud into a cottage industry,” Ball said.

The Republican Senator was joined Thursday by Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino and New Yorkers Stand Against Insurance Fraud (NYSAIF) Executive Director Rafe Lieber, who joined Ball in supporting a bill that would make it harder to take advantage of the state’s no-fault insurance policy.

Insurance premiums are 53 percent higher than the national average, Astorino said, and the state had to get tougher on insurance cheats.

“Cracking down on auto insurance fraud will lead to direct savings for policyholders,” Astorino said. “We cannot continue to allow criminals to make an easy buck off the backs of honest citizens. I join the members of NYSAIF along with Senator Ball in urging the legislature to pass this important bill before the close of session.”Lieber said that reducing the cost of owning a motor vehicle is even more important now with gas prices surging.

“Gas prices we might not have control over, but we can crack down on criminals abusing New York’s no fault insurance laws,” Lieber said. “If Albany is serious about helping New York become more affordable, then we urge the legislature to pass this legislation immediately.”

The bipartisan-supported bill, introduced in February, would give insurance companies more time to investigate fraud. Companies currently have only 30 days to investigate such claims, which the elected officials argued was not nearly enough time to do a thorough investigation.

The bill would also create tougher penalties for criminals who cheat the no-fault system and decertifies medical providers who commit insurance fraud, Ball said.

“This legislation gives law enforcement and insurers the tools they need to fight fraud and abuse,” Ball said. “I urge the Governor and my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to pass and sign this bill to protect honest, hardworking New Yorkers.”

 

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