New York Assembly Bill A10528

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/26
• Refer: 3/6/26

Caption

Requires rental vehicle companies provide for additional liability insurance on rental vehicles and have such insurance be primary during each rental period.

Impact

The bill intends to strengthen the protection of both renters and other motorists by ensuring that rental vehicles are adequately insured. By increasing the minimum liability coverage required for rental companies, the bill seeks to limit the risks faced by individuals who may be involved in accidents with rental vehicles. This change is expected to have a positive effect on public safety and could help to reduce the incidences of underinsured rental vehicles on the road.

Summary

Bill A10528, introduced in March 2026, aims to amend the Vehicle and Traffic Law to enhance the liability insurance requirements for rental vehicle companies. Specifically, the bill mandates that rental vehicle companies must provide a liability insurance coverage amount that is three times the existing financial responsibility requirement for vehicles. This additional layer of insurance must be primary during each rental period, ensuring that the insurance coverage works first when a claim arises, before any other insurance that might apply.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it addresses a significant gap in liability coverage for rental vehicles, critics may express concerns regarding the potential financial implications for rental companies. There are fears that the increased insurance requirements could lead to higher rental costs passed on to consumers, thus making rentals less accessible. However, the bill's supporters believe that increased liability protection ultimately benefits consumers by providing peace of mind and better financial protection in the event of an accident.