Laws are always changing, and new laws are created to protect consumers’ safety and rights, address a new issue, or clarify existing statutes. It is important as a consumer that you educate yourself on how a law may affect you, your property or business, home and even auto insurance.
The Erie County Office of Consumer Protection would like to make consumers aware of a new law regarding Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance. Per the New York State Department of Financial Services, effective August 1, 2023, New York State Insurance Law § 3420(g) requires an insurer issuing or delivering a policy that satisfies Vehicle and Traffic Law Article 6 to provide supplemental spousal liability insurance, unless the named insured elects, in writing, and in such form as the Superintendent of Financial Services determines, to decline and refuse such insurance in the insured’s policy.
For consumers, this means that your auto insurance policy now automatically includes Supplemental Spousal Liability insurance. If you determine that this additional insurance is unnecessary, or you do not want this coverage, you must decline the coverage in writing to your insurance provider. Ensure you review your policy in detail to see if you can submit one opt-out form for the entire policy or if an opt-out form needs to be submitted for each vehicle on the policy; this may vary by carrier and policy type. Consumers should always thoroughly review policy renewal notices and changes to coverage to ensure appropriate protection.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our office at 716-858-1987 or by email to consumerprotection@erie.gov. Consumer Protection complaints can also be submitted through our website.
