David Dickson, of Fairport, N.Y., past president of the Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc., met with a number of local lawmakers throughout the Rochester region. Dickson shared with the senators and members of the Assembly the association's top legislative issues for the new year. In 2009, PIANY will work for the passage of a comprehensive legislative agenda on behalf of New York's independent insurance agents and their clients, which includes: repealing mandatory photo inspections for personal auto insurance; raising automobile surcharge thresholds; and adopting credit scoring protections for commercial policyholders.

“Local businesses and homeowners are concerned about acquiring affordable insurance,” said Dickson. “By having conversations with our area legislators and keeping them aware of our needs, we can help ensure that these concerns are addressed throughout the year.”

Dickson has met thus far with the following area legislators: Assemblywoman Susan V. John, D-131, Assemblyman David R. Koon, D-135, Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle, D-132, Assemblyman Robert Oaks, R-128, Assemblyman Bill Reilich, R-134, and Sen. Joseph E. Robach, R-56.

During these meetings, Dickson discussed legislative priorities of particular importance to the insurance-buying public throughout New York state. The association's key goals for the year are as follows:

• The repeal of mandatory photo inspections: Currently, insurers must require these inspections, which calls for photos to be taken of a car before collision or comprehensive insurance is issued. Though originally intended to reduce insurance fraud, the requirement represents an onerous burden for the insured, as failure to obtain an inspection, with sometimes as little as five days' notice, can result in a lapse of physical damage coverage. Methods for verifying and tracking the existence and physical condition of vehicles have improved greatly since the regulation was enacted, making the regulation antiquated and unnecessary.
• Raise the minimum threshold for automobile surcharges: This legislation would raise the minimum threshold of property damage which, if exceeded in a motor vehicle accident, would allow an insurer to impose a policy premium surcharge. The threshold was established over a decade ago and should be updated to reflect inflation. The new law would double the amount from $1,000 to $2,000; this would benefit consumers and prevent them from having burdensome surcharges levied for minor accidents.
• Credit scoring notification: This legislation would provide protection to commercial lines insurance policyholders by providing them notice when their credit information is used for underwriting.