ABC
ROCHESTER, NY — Brian Sampson, President of the Empire State Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors, today expressed concern over Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford’s opposition to Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed auto insurance reforms, arguing that continued opposition risks maintaining a system that has contributed to extortionately high premiums for New York drivers.
“Auto insurance premiums remain a burden for families and small businesses across New York,” said Sampson. “The Governor’s proposal is an effort to address structural issues in the system and bring New York more in line with other states, and it deserves thoughtful consideration. Too often, the conversation is redirected toward regulating insurers, but that overlooks a key reality. There are stakeholders who benefit significantly from the current system as it exists. If the goal is to reduce costs for drivers, we need to be honest about all of the factors contributing to high premiums.”
Sampson noted that opposition to the reforms has been concentrated among trial attorneys and those closely aligned with that sector, raising concern about incentives to maintain the current system.
“Assemblywoman Lunsford is an attorney, she operates within a system that has generated significant revenue through litigation making it important to examine who benefits from maintaining the status quo,” Sampson said.
He added that while perspectives may differ on policy details, the current system has produced outcomes that are increasingly difficult for consumers to absorb.
“For many in the legal community, the current structure functions like a reliable source of ongoing business,” Sampson said. “At the same time, drivers are seeing steady increases in their premiums. That imbalance is what this reform effort is trying to address.”
The impact isn’t limited to insurance premiums. In New York, roughly 90% of the goods we rely on every day are delivered by trucks and cars. When those companies face higher costs, they pass them along, ultimately increasing prices for consumers.
Sampson also pointed to other states that have pursued similar reforms.
“In places like Florida, reforms aimed at reducing excessive litigation have been followed by improvements in premium trends,” he said. “New York should at least be willing to examine those experiences as part of this conversation.”
Sampson emphasized that the goal should be to find a balanced approach that protects consumers while maintaining fairness in the system.
“This is ultimately about making sure the system works for the people who pay into it every month,” he said. “New Yorkers deserve a serious, fact-based discussion about how to bring costs down and improve outcomes.”