‘CAR’ Takes Active Stand Against Rising Auto, Home, and Health Insurance Rates

The sharp rise in auto insurance costs has forced many residents to cut down on essential expenses, and the South Asian community is no exception. A coalition named Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR) has urged Governor Kathy Hochul, state senators, and assembly members to take immediate and effective action on this issue.

CAR announced that six South Asian community organizations have joined the movement, representing thousands of immigrants and working families. They said that the skyrocketing prices have made life increasingly difficult for communities they helped build. Notably, car insurance rates in New York have risen 40% higher than the national average. As a result, many parents are now forced to choose between paying their car insurance premiums or buying groceries. Small businesses are also struggling to operate due to soaring commercial insurance costs.

José Bayona, spokesperson for Citizens for Affordable Rates, said,

“Every day we see heartbreaking choices being made by families in our neighborhoods. A mother can barely afford her car insurance, yet she needs her car to get to work or take her kids to the doctor. With Albany turning a blind eye, the situation in our communities has become unimaginable. This isn’t just about car insurance—it’s about blocking the path to the American Dream for working families.”

He added that the situation has become so dire that more grassroots organizations are joining the coalition, stressing that urgent action is now essential.

South Asian Organizations Supporting CAR

Several South Asian organizations from Brooklyn, Queens, and other areas have joined the initiative, including:

• Bangladeshi American Community Development and Youth Services (BACDYS):
  A Brooklyn-based group that supports low-income Bangladeshi immigrant families through ESL classes, after-school programs, naturalization courses, and affordable housing assistance.
• Council of Peoples Organization (COPO):
  A nonprofit aiding low-income immigrant families, especially South Asian and Muslim communities. It assists approximately 45,000 families and 27,000 individuals annually.
• Human Support Coalition:
  Provides financial and social support to economically vulnerable members of the Bangladeshi community.
• India Home Inc.:
  Based in Queens, this group focuses on improving the cultural and social well-being of Indian and Bangladeshi seniors through social services, health programs, and community connections.
• Project New Yorker:
  Operating in southern Queens, this organization offers job training, financial literacy programs, and immigrant empowerment initiatives for South Asian immigrants.
• Sakhi for South Asian Women:
  Dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence, Sakhi provides sensitive crisis intervention and advocacy services, protecting thousands of women across New York City’s South Asian communities.

Data shows that the average annual auto insurance premium now exceeds $1,700, around 40% higher than the national rate. Home and health insurance rates have also surged. Rising property insurance premiums have driven up rent and mortgage payments, adding 10–15% insurance costs to rental prices.

The increase in vehicle-related expenses has forced many residents to switch jobs or take on multiple jobs to manage their costs.

To address these growing challenges, Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR) is working with community leaders and organizations from various sectors.

For more information, visit: citizensforaffordablerates.com