Trucking Industry Supports Hochul's Proposed Insurance Reforms

New York truckers say soaring insurance costs strain businesses as Hochul proposes changes aimed at lowering premiums and increasing competition.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A photorealistic studio still-life featuring a stack of truck tires, a set of truck keys, and a truck dashboard camera arranged elegantly against a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial challenges the trucking industry faces due to rising insurance costs.Trucking companies' investments in safety equipment have not shielded them from soaring insurance premiums, straining their bottom lines.Saratoga Springs Today

The Trucking Association of New York supports Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed overhaul of auto insurance regulations, hoping the changes would lead to lower premiums. Trucking business owners say they have continued to see insurance premiums climb over the last several years, with some citing increases of around 10% in the past three years. They argue that many accidents are beyond their drivers' control, but they still get implicated, leading to higher rates. Hochul's proposals aim to rein in fraudulent claims and place new limits on payouts, with the savings expected to be passed on to policyholders.

Why it matters

The trucking industry plays a crucial role in New York's supply chains for food, fuel, and other essential goods. Rising insurance costs are straining these small, family-owned businesses, which operate on slim profit margins. If insurance rates don't come down, trucking companies may be forced to raise their rates, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers.

The details

According to the Trucking Association of New York, some members have seen their insurance premiums increase by around 10% over the past three years, with one company's annual insurance bill climbing to over $3 million. Trucking business owners say they have invested heavily in safety equipment and cameras, but they still face high rates due to accidents that are often beyond their drivers' control. Hochul's proposed reforms aim to rein in fraudulent claims and limit payouts, with the expectation that insurance companies will pass the savings on to policyholders.

  • The Trucking Association of New York hosted a safety-focused conference in Saratoga Springs on Tuesday.
  • Hochul's proposals for auto insurance changes are part of ongoing state budget negotiations.

The players

Trucking Association of New York

An industry group representing trucking companies in New York state.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who has proposed reforms to auto insurance regulations.

Brian Brundige

The vice president of operations of Terpening Trucking, a petroleum carrier with a fleet of over 180 vehicles.

Joe Fitzpatrick

The owner of Lightning Express Delivery Service in Ulster County.

Kendra Hems

The president of the Trucking Association of New York.

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What they’re saying

“A lion's share of our accidents are things that are beyond our drivers' control, but we get implicated. In some of those cases, people come after us because we're a trucking company. Over time, settlements and so forth increase our premiums due to the accident rates.”

— Brian Brundige, Vice President of Operations, Terpening Trucking

“If insurance rates don't come down, whether it's workers' compensation insurance or auto liability insurance, I don't know how much longer I can go on. At times, I feel like I'm a hamster on a wheel.”

— Joe Fitzpatrick, Owner, Lightning Express Delivery Service

“Many of these companies are small, family-owned, multi-generational businesses. They operate on a 1% profit margin. They cannot continue to absorb costs. So the only thing they can do is build that into their rates, which ultimately trickles down to our consumers.”

— Kendra Hems, President, Trucking Association of New York

What’s next

The state legislature will need to review and approve Hochul's proposed auto insurance reforms as part of the ongoing state budget negotiations.

The takeaway

The trucking industry's support for Hochul's insurance reforms highlights the significant financial strain that rising premiums are placing on small, family-owned businesses in the sector. If the changes are enacted, they could provide much-needed relief and help keep costs down for consumers relying on the trucking industry to transport essential goods.