N.Y. Drivers Say Fraud Is Big Problem

NU Online News Service, March 22, 10:00 a.m. EST?New York state drivers say fraud plays a major role in determining their insurance rates, as revealed in a survey commissioned by a state independent agents' association.

This was among some of the findings in a survey commissioned by the Independent Insurance Agents Association of New York based in Syracuse, N.Y., and conducted by Zogby International.

The survey, "New York State Automobile Owners' Views on Car Insurance," also found that by a two-to-one margin, respondents blame the New York state legislature for not doing enough to maintain competition in the state's auto insurance market, IIA of N.Y. said in a statement.

The telephone survey of 706 voters from across the state found strong support for shortened time frames for accident reporting.

The New York Insurance Department, in an effort to combat fraudulent submissions, has promulgated a regulation to cut the deadline for reporting an accident claim from 90 to 30 days and for submitting medical bills from 180 to 45 days. Implementation of those rules has been stalled by a court challenge from trial lawyers and medical providers.

More than four in five respondents to the survey expressed support for a 30-day time limit for requiring motorists to report an auto accident to their insurance company, the association said.

Regulations requiring motorists to submit bills resulting from an auto accident to their insurance company within a 45-day time limit was supported by a similar margin. Of New York City residents, 43 percent surveyed said they felt fraudulent claims accounted for increasing auto insurance premiums, IIA of N.Y. stated.

IIANY said other key survey findings were:

? Fraud is viewed as a major problem by a cumulative 73 percent average of New York City residents: 50-64 year-olds; Hispanics; African-Americans; and people with household incomes of between $35,000 to $49,000.

? Those whose auto insurance costs have increased by between 10 to 50 percent include 28 percent of respondents from New York City: 31 percent of those between the ages of 30-49 years old; 36 percent of African-Americans; and 28 percent of those people with household incomes of $75,000 or more.

? More than 36 percent felt the state insurance department has a high impact on the regulation of auto insurance rates.

? Sixty-eight percent said it is important for the state legislature to pass laws that keep the auto insurance market competitive.

? Twenty-seven percent said that insurance companies should be most responsible for reducing fraud in New York's auto insurance system. Slightly fewer, 23 percent, say car owners should be responsible for reducing fraud, while 21 percent felt law enforcement officials should be responsible, and 20 percent said the responsibility should rest with the state insurance department.

The telephone survey was conducted Feb. 22 to 28. Participants who own or lease an automobile were chosen at random. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.8 percent.

Special Reports /

N.Y. Drivers Say Fraud Is Big Problem

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