N.Y., N.J. agents fight DMV inserts

The Professional Insurance Agents of New York State Inc. has been arguing for years that it is improper for the New York Department of Motor Vehicles to include ads from automobile insurers, such as GEICO, when it mails out drivers’ auto registration renewals.

Now, PIA of New Jersey agents are also trying to counter their turnpike authority’s including GEICO advertisements with E-ZPass mailings.

“When a government agency sends out official documents with advertisements, it could be perceived as an endorsement of the advertiser’s products, which is wrong,” said J. Carlos Viana, president of PIANY.

Agents are making some progress. Lawmakers in both states have introduced bills to ban ads directly related to a state agency’s regulatory authority.