BILL NUMBER: S9941
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the insurance law, in relation to prohibiting insurers
from refusing to renew a policy on certain automobiles used for volun-
teer social service transportation
 
PURPOSE:
To encourage volunteerism in transportation by explicitly prohibiting
insurance companies from denying or canceling insurance solely on the
basis of serving as a volunteer driver.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Amends subsection (s) of section 3425 of the insurance law.
Section 4. Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Access to transportation is vital to individuals living with mobility
impairments. These individuals rely on affordable volunteer-provided
transportation for several reasons such as grocery shopping and visits
to doctors appointments, pharmacies, and loved ones. Volunteer drivers,
however, often face difficulties when obtaining personal auto insurance.
Many volunteer drivers fear claim denial or even insurance cancellation.
The need for volunteer drivers is Increasing and the uncertainty over
auto insurance can disincentivize volunteer-provided transportation
programs. This bill prohibits insurance companies from denying or
canceling insurance solely on the basis of serving as a volunteer driv-
er, encouraging individuals interested in providing volunteer driving
services.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2025: A.5710 (Solages) - Referred to Insurance
2024: A.9365 (Solages) - Referred to Insurance
2022: A.9525 (Solages) - Referred to Insurance
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law and shall apply to insurance policies issued or delivered
on and after such effective date.

Statutes affected:
S9941: 3425 insurance law, 3425(s) insurance law