Prohibits motor vehicle insurers from discrimination on the basis of socioeconomic factors in determining algorithms used to construct actuarial tables, coverage terms, premiums and/or rates.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
5904
2021-2022 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
March 22, 2021
___________
Introduced by Sens. PARKER, MYRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and
when printed to be committed to the Committee on Insurance
AN ACT to amend the insurance law, in relation to prohibiting motor
vehicle insurers from discriminating based on socioeconomic factors
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. The insurance law is amended by adding a new section 2618
2 to read as follows:
3 § 2618. Rating factors prohibited. (a) Any insurer or insurance compa-
4 ny group doing business in the state as a motor vehicle insurer may not
5 use classification plans, rules or rates, rating plans or modifications
6 of any of the foregoing, based in whole or in part on the factors speci-
7 fied in this section. Any classification plans, rules or rates, rating
8 plans or modifications issued by said insurer or insurance company group
9 using the following factors in whole or in part shall be deemed to
10 violate public policy and are subject to disapproval by the superinten-
11 dent:
12 (1) age;
13 (2) marital status;
14 (3) sex;
15 (4) sexual orientation;
16 (5) educational background or education level attained;
17 (6) employment status or occupation;
18 (7) income level;
19 (8) consumer credit information or score;
20 (9) ownership or interest in real property;
21 (10) any indication of a consumer's price elasticity of demand; and
22 (11) any other characteristic indicating or tending to indicate the
23 socioeconomic status of an individual.
24 (b) It shall further be unlawful to consider the factors specified in
25 subdivision (a) of this section to:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06720-01-1
S. 5904 2
1 (1) adjust any algorithm or equation used to construct actuarial
2 tables or otherwise determine the cost of coverage;
3 (2) make any distinction or discrimination between persons as to the
4 premiums or rates charged for motor vehicle insurance policies or the
5 terms of coverage or in any other manner whatsoever;
6 (3) demand or require a greater premium from any person than such
7 insurer requires at that time from other individuals or entities in
8 similar cases; or
9 (4) refuse to issue, renew, or sell a policy after appropriate appli-
10 cation therefor.
11 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
