2013 New York Consolidated Laws
ISC - Insurance
Article 3 - (301 - 341) ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROCEDURAL PROVISIONS
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.