As county executive and as the mayor of Westchester’s largest city, we share a common reality, and one we know all too well. Yonkers — the city we both call home, where we’ve raised our families and continue to live —Yonkers has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country. But this isn’t just a Yonkers problem, it’s impacting residents across all of Westchester County. Premiums are simply too high — unsustainably high — and it’s time for the New York State Legislature to act by including the governor’s auto insurance reform proposals in the state budget.

Westchester County residents pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, with the county average weighing in at nearly $3,000 per year. For too many families, the cost of auto insurance isn’t just a bill, it’s a barrier. There are parts of this community well served by the Beeline Bus System, but still a car isn’t a luxury; it is a lifeline. A car connects parents to jobs, childcare, to schools and extended families — cars are needed to survive and to keep moving forward. Our residents need cars, they need insurance and they shouldn’t have to choose between staying protected on the road and keeping food on the table.

Why Gov. Kathy Hochul's auto insurance proposal must move forward for NY

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed legislation aims to lower car insurance costs in New York by cracking down on fraud, limiting excessive payouts and making the system more fair for law-abiding drivers.

The plan would restrict large “pain and suffering” payouts for individuals who were committing crimes at the time of an accident, such as impaired or uninsured drivers and limit the damages that can be recovered by drivers who are mostly at fault.

It also tightens the definition of what qualifies as a “serious injury” by introducing clear medical standards, reducing the ability to claim significant compensation for minor or temporary injuries.

The proposal reforms how liability is shared so individuals are only responsible for their portion of fault, rather than potentially paying the full cost of damages.

To ensure consumers benefit, the state would review insurance profit rules to return savings to policyholders, require insurers to clearly explain rate increases, and mandate discounts for drivers who opt into safe-driving programs.

Overall, the legislation is designed to hold bad actors accountable, reduce unnecessary litigation and ultimately bring down premiums for New Yorkers.

Albany has an opportunity — and a responsibility — to act. These reforms are not radical; they are practical, fair and long overdue. They protect responsible drivers, hold bad actors accountable and put money back in the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. For Westchester families, this is about more than policy — it’s about affordability, mobility and quality of life. We urge the Legislature to include the governor’s auto insurance proposals in the atate budget and deliver the relief our residents need and deserve.

Ken Jenkins is Westchester County Executive and Mike Spano is mayor of Yonkers.

© Daily Messenger (MPNnow)