N.Y. Insurance Law § 337: Annual consumer guide on automobile insurance

§ 337. Annual consumer guide on automobile insurance. (a) The

superintendent shall issue and update, as necessary, a consumer guide on

private passenger automobile insurance that shall contain comprehensive

information written in plain language in a clear and understandable

format, including the following:

(1) an annual ranking of automobile insurers: (A) including an

analysis of private passenger insurers in the state which provides, in

detail, a ranking of such insurers from best to worst based on each

insurer's record of consumer complaints during the preceding calendar

year, using criteria available to the department, adjusted for volume of

insurance written; and (B) taking into consideration the corresponding

total of claims improperly denied in whole or in part, consumer

complaints found to be valid in whole or in part, and any other

pertinent data which would permit the department to objectively

determine an insurer's performance; and (C) the superintendent may note,

to the extent relevant, actions taken by the department against an

insurer for violating any law or regulation;

(2) a list of makes and models of automobiles that generally do not

meet underwriting guidelines of automobile insurers or in regard to

which consumers can expect to pay higher premiums as a result of an

automobile's style, model type or other distinguishing features, except

that specific insurers shall not be identified for purposes of such

list;

(3) an explanation of all types of automobile insurance required by

law and available as optional coverage, including policyholders' rights

under these types of coverage and when making claims;

(4) an explanation of and information on the automobile insurance plan

established pursuant to article fifty-three of this chapter, including

how motorists in such plan should proceed in attempting to obtain

insurance in the voluntary market;

(5) recommendations as to how best to shop for and compare prices,

service and quality of automobile insurance coverage;

(6) an explanation of prohibited discriminatory practices applying to

insurance companies, agents and brokers; and

(7) a department toll free consumer hot-line through which consumers

may initiate complaints, and request general information, about

automobile insurance.

(b) The requirements set forth in subsection (a) of this section may

be satisfied by separate or supplemental publications and updates.

(c) The superintendent shall post the consumer guide on automobile

insurance on the department's website.