New York Enacts Law Protecting Hate Crime Victims in Insurance Dealings

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation (S.7658-B/A.8869-B) to protect individuals and organizations that are victims of hate crimes from unfair insurance practices.

The new law prohibits insurers from canceling an insurance policy, raising premiums, refusing to issue a policy or refusing to renew a policy solely on the basis that one or more claims have been made for a loss that is a result of a hate crime.

This new law will apply to individuals, religious organizations, or nonprofits organized and operated for religious, charitable or educational purposes.

“If an individual is targeted for a hate crime, the last thing they should worry about is losing their insurance, and with this legislation we are taking action to protect victims and ensure every New Yorker is treated with dignity and respect,” Hochul said.

The legislation applies where hate-crime related claims have been made against the policy during the preceding five years. The insured must provide evidence that the loss resulted from a hate crime.

Hochul also announced $50 million to strengthen security measures at nonprofit, community-based organizations at risk of hate crimes, in addition to $46 million in federal funding to 240 nonprofit organizations across the state facing an increased risk of terrorist attack.