NYC Cops, Firefighters Back Hochul's Plan to Curb Car Insurance Fraud

Law enforcement unions say governor's reforms will 'make NY affordable'

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:48pm

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Law enforcement unions, including the New York City Police Benevolent Association and United Firefighters Association, are backing Governor Kathy Hochul's plan to attack car insurance fraud and rein in personal injury lawsuits. Hochul's reforms aim to lower soaring auto insurance premiums in New York, which average $4,000 per year - $1,500 more than the national average. The unions say the high costs impact their members and support the governor's efforts to 'make New York affordable'.

Why it matters

New York has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, driven in part by insurance fraud and costly lawsuits. Hochul's proposed reforms are aimed at tackling these issues and providing relief to drivers, including first responders who face the same high insurance costs. The support from law enforcement unions underscores the widespread impact of the problem and the potential benefits of the governor's plan.

The details

Hochul's plan includes targeting high premiums by cracking down on staged accidents, saying insurance companies are 'jacking up prices' because of fraud and 'runaway litigation costs.' It would also put a cap on damages such as pain and suffering for drivers engaging in criminal behavior at the time of an incident. Additionally, the governor is proposing legislation to ensure prosecutors can seek criminal penalties against anyone responsible for organizing a staged accident, not just the person behind the wheel.

  • Hochul announced her car insurance reform plan in March 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who has proposed a plan to curb car insurance fraud and rein in personal injury lawsuits.

Patrick Hendry

The President of the New York City Police Benevolent Association, a law enforcement union backing Hochul's plan.

Andrew Ansbro

The President of the United Firefighters Association, a law enforcement union backing Hochul's plan.

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What they’re saying

“Our members don't just keep New Yorkers safe on the road. We deal with the same high costs of driving as every other New Yorker, including high insurance premiums.”

— Patrick Hendry, President, New York City Police Benevolent Association (New York Post)

“We completely agree that the high cost of auto insurance is a problem for our members both at work and at home, which is why we support the governor's efforts to lower auto insurance.”

— Andrew Ansbro, President, United Firefighters Association (New York Post)

What’s next

The proposed auto insurance reform package was not included in the recent state budget resolutions, but Governor Hochul said 'there's a lot of time to get it back in' during budget negotiations.

The takeaway

Hochul's plan to tackle car insurance fraud and rein in costly lawsuits has gained the support of key law enforcement unions, underscoring the widespread impact of high insurance premiums on both the public and first responders. If enacted, the reforms could provide significant relief to New York drivers by lowering rates by an estimated 15-20%.