Hochul's Auto Insurance Proposals Threaten New Yorkers' Constitutional Rights

Civil rights leaders and consumer advocates urge the governor to reconsider plans that would limit access to the courts.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:06am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of an empty city street at dusk, with a lone parked car and a streetlight casting warm, diagonal shadows, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation and the importance of the civil justice system.As the debate over insurance reform rages, the civil justice system remains a critical safeguard for everyday New Yorkers seeking accountability and redress.NYC Today

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed changes to auto insurance regulations that she claims will lower premiums, but critics argue the plans amount to a giveaway to big insurance companies and ride-hailing firms at the expense of everyday New Yorkers' constitutional rights. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and others are urging the governor to reconsider the proposals, which they say would unfairly restrict access to the courts and undermine the principle of equal justice under the law.

Why it matters

This debate goes beyond just insurance costs - it's about preserving the Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial and ensuring all New Yorkers, regardless of income or ZIP code, have meaningful access to the civil justice system. Limiting this access could have far-reaching consequences, shielding corporations from accountability for negligence, misconduct, and unsafe practices.

The details

Hochul's proposals aim to lower auto insurance premiums, but critics argue there is little evidence this will actually happen. Insurance companies have resisted transparency, even as they report strong profits while raising rates. The current system already discriminates against safe drivers in lower-income and minority communities through pricing based on factors like ZIP code and credit score rather than driving record. Weakening access to the courts would only exacerbate these inequities, making it harder for everyday New Yorkers to seek justice.

  • Governor Hochul has centered her affordability agenda on these insurance proposals.
  • A growing number of legislators, consumer advocates, and civil rights leaders are now urging the governor to reconsider the plans.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who has proposed changes to auto insurance regulations that critics say would limit access to the civil justice system.

Ben Crump

A prominent civil rights attorney known for representing families in high-profile cases involving police misconduct and other civil rights issues.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“At its core, this debate is not just about insurance premiums. It is about the Seventh Amendment. It is about whether people, not corporations, get to have their day in court when they are harmed.”

— Ben Crump, Civil rights attorney

“Weakening access to the courts only makes matters worse. Civil justice has long been one of the most powerful tools for accountability in this country. It is how families seek answers and justice after preventable tragedies.”

— Ben Crump, Civil rights attorney

What’s next

The New York State legislature will need to consider and vote on any insurance reform proposals put forward by Governor Hochul.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the tension between corporate interests and the constitutional rights of everyday citizens. Limiting access to the civil justice system may benefit insurers' bottom lines, but it could come at the expense of public safety, accountability, and the principle of equal justice under the law.