BILL NUMBER: S9349
SPONSOR: ZELLNER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to providing a reduction
in insurance premium charges for insured volunteer firefighters or emer-
gency personnel for a three year period after successfully completing
the emergency vehicle operator's course as part of their training
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: To permit a
volunteer firefighter or emergency personnel member who has successfully
completed the emergency vehicle operator's course (EVOC) an opportunity
to receive an additional discount on his or her motor vehicle insurance
premium. This actuarially appropriate discount is in addition to the
current reduction that is offered to individuals who have completed an
accident prevention course. If an individual has not completed a prior
accident prevention course, that individual may still be eligible for
the discount upon completion of the EVOC training.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Sections 1 and 2: Provides that any schedule of rates or rating plan for
motor vehicle liability and collision insurance submitted to the Super-
intendent may provide for an actuarially appropriate reduction in premi-
um charges for insured volunteer firefighters or emergency personnel for
a three year period after successfully completing the emergency vehicle
operator's course (EVOC) as part of his or her training, provided that
there shall be no reduction in premiums for a self-instruction defensive
driving course or a course which does not provide for actual classroom
instruction for a minimum number of hours as determined by the depart-
ment of motor vehicles. Such reduction may be calculated at an actuari-
ally appropriate rate even if the insured volunteer firefighter or emer-
gency personnel has not previously qualified for a reduction in
premiums.
Section 3: Effective date.
 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York's volunteer firefighters and volunteer emergency personnel are
our hometown heroes who serve and protect their communities and save New
York billions through their selfless efforts. To do everything we can to
strengthen and support our volunteer first responders' services, this
bill will encourage all who are eligible to take the emergency vehicle
operator's course to enhance their safety skills. This will not only
make them safer drivers when responding but will also make them safer
drivers in their personal vehicles and help reduce accidents. Addi-
tionally, this benefit can be an incentive for prospective members of
the departments. Insurance companies in New York offer an array of
discounts to drivers, including accident-free, accident prevention
course, anti-theft devices, senior citizen, good student, and military,
among others. Insurance companies should be allowed to offer discounts
to drivers who volunteer time serving their communities.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2016: Referred to Insurance
2017: Referred to Insurance
2018: Referred to Insurance
2021: Referred to Insurance
2022: Referred to Insurance
2023: Referred to Insurance
2024: Referred to Insurance
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S9349: 2336 insurance law, 2336(a) insurance law