Uber-Backed Coalition Campaigns to Lower New York’s Skyrocketing Insurance Costs
New Yorkers Say Insurance Costs Are “Too Damn High” as New Coalition Launches Campaign for Relief
Remember the fiery 2010 “The Rent Is Too Damn High” campaign? A new movement in New York is now taking aim at another growing financial burden: skyrocketing insurance costs.
A coalition of immigrant and community organizations, backed by Uber Technologies, has launched Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR) to tackle the soaring costs of auto, home, and health insurance. The group argues that these expenses are adding to an already severe affordability crisis in the state, disproportionately impacting low-income families and small businesses.
Founding members include Haitian Americans United for Progress, Inc., DSI International, COPO Council of Peoples Organization, WESPAC Foundation, and Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services. Uber, a key member, has committed to funding a multimillion-dollar advertising campaign to amplify the coalition’s message.
“Insurance costs are skyrocketing in New York,” an Uber spokesperson said. “As of November 2024, on average 25% of every rider’s fare goes directly to mandatory insurance costs. We’re working with CAR to find solutions so riders pay less and drivers earn more.”
The campaign comes as New York’s ride-for-hire insurance market faces a crisis following the insolvency of American Transit Insurance Co. (ATIC), the market’s largest insurer. The state has ordered ATIC to consider selling assets to stabilize its finances. ATIC claims it’s the victim of a massive fraud scheme and has sued 180 medical providers. Uber has also sued ATIC, alleging the insurer has a “pattern and practice” of failing to resolve claims, sparking 23 liability lawsuits against the ridesharing giant.
CAR aims to push for legislative and regulatory reforms to reduce insurance costs. One proposal supported by the coalition would lower the required personal injury protection limit for commercial ride-share cars from $200,000 to $50,000, matching the standard in the rest of the state. Advocates say this change would help lower premiums.
Auto insurance costs in New York are nearly 40% higher than the national average, with health and homeowners’ insurance also significantly elevated. CAR claims insurance costs can account for 10-15% of rent expenses in many parts of New York City, putting additional strain on already stretched budgets.
The group also blames fraudulent claims and excessive litigation for driving up premiums. Estimates suggest that false claims—like those from staged car crashes—account for up to 10% of total insurance payouts in the state.
“For too long, working New Yorkers have been left out of conversations about fairness and affordability,” said Nada Khader, WESPAC Foundation director. “Addressing the root causes of exorbitant insurance rates gives our communities a much-needed voice. It’s time to stand up to Albany special interests and ensure no family is priced out of the metro area.”
“Skyrocketing consumer costs are crushing immigrant families and small businesses across New York, especially in our communities,” said Aasma Mehdi of the Council of Peoples Organization.
Uber’s multimillion-dollar advertising campaign—featuring digital, television, and radio placements—is set to begin this month. With CAR’s push, the coalition hopes to bring relief to New Yorkers struggling under the weight of insurance costs that, as one might say, are “too damn high.”
As New yorkers continue to grapple with the mounting expenses of daily life, a new coalition has risen to address a critical and often overlooked issue: skyrocketing insurance costs. The launch of Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR) marks a meaningful step towards alleviating the financial burdens placed on low-income families and small businesses by auto,home,and health insurance.
This movement is reminiscent of the fiery advocacy of the “The Rent Is Too Damn High” campaign, which brought attention to the insidious impact of rising rent costs. Similarly, CAR aims to expose the hidden threats posed by insurance expenses, which can quickly destroy the financial stability of affordable housing developments and hinder economic growth.
Through a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign backed by Uber Technologies, CAR seeks to educate New yorkers about the disproportionate impact of these costs, especially on vulnerable populations. Founding members, including haitian Americans United for Progress and the Bangladeshi American Community Advancement and Youth services, underscore the diverse and broad-based support for this initiative.
State lawmakers have already taken steps to address insurance discrimination against affordable housing properties, as seen in the recent FY2025 budget that prohibits insurers from inquiring about or discriminating against properties based on their affordability restrictions[4]. However, more needs to be done to mitigate the broader effects of rising insurance premiums.
The time for action is now. By joining forces, community organizations, state officials, and industry leaders must work together to implement regulatory changes, create cost-offsetting programs, and enforce anti-discrimination measures. Such collaborative efforts can ensure that New Yorkers are not forced to choose between essential services and economic stability.
The success of CAR’s campaign will pave the way for a more equitable New York, where everyone can access necessary insurance coverage without breaking the bank. As we strive to make New York work for everyone, addressing the insurance costs crisis is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. We must continue to amplify the voices of those affected, advocate for meaningful reform, and work towards a future where affordability and sustainability are paramount. Together, we can make a difference and create a more just and resilient New York for all.
A Call to Action for Affordable Insurance: New Yorkers Unite Against Burdening Costs
In the face of mounting financial burdens, New Yorkers are increasingly crying out that insurance costs are simply “too darn high.” The launch of Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR) signals a pivotal moment in the fight against exorbitant insurance premiums. This coalition, backed by Uber Technologies, unites immigrant and community organizations to tackle the soaring costs of auto, home, and health insurance, which are significantly higher in New York compared to national averages. The rising tide of insurance expenses is entrenched in an affordability crisis that disproportionately affects low-income families and small businesses, crippling their already slim budgets.
CAR’s message is clear: it is indeed time for legislative and regulatory reforms to alleviate this strain. By lowering the required personal injury protection limit for commercial ride-share cars from $200,000 to $50,000, the coalition aims to reduce insurance premiums, making it more feasible for families and small businesses to afford these essential services.
moreover, the coalition highlights that fraudulent claims and excessive litigation contribute significantly to the steep increase in premiums. It is imperative that we address these root causes to ensure that insurance costs no longer become an insurmountable barrier to basic necessities like housing and healthcare.
As Uber’s multimillion-dollar advertising campaign kicks off, it will amplify the urgently needed voice of working New Yorkers, who have long been silenced in conversations about fairness and affordability. The stakes are high: amidst rising healthcare costs and inflation, CAR’s campaign could be the turning point for reducing the financial burden on New Yorkers, making their daily lives more manageable.
“Insurance costs are skyrocketing in new York,” as an Uber spokesperson noted, adding that they are committed to finding solutions that make riders pay less and drivers earn more. This alliance not only seeks to mitigate the immediate effects of high premiums but also advocates for systemic change, ensuring that no family is priced out of the metropolitan area.
the launch of CAR marks a significant step towards a more equitable and affordable future for New Yorkers. It is a call to action that demands attention and immediate response from Albany special interests. Together, we must stand against the tide of exorbitant insurance costs and ensure that every family can afford the basic necessities without being crushed by skyrocketing premiums[1][3][5]. Let this be the moment when we collectively say, “Enough is enough. Insurance costs are indeed too darn high, and it’s time for change.”