ALBANY, N.Y., March 8 – Penalties for insurance fraud and for motorists who drive without valid auto insurance would be increased under bipartisan legislation that has been passed in the Senate.

According to the legislation, it would be a crime to forge a certificate of insurance or insurance identification card, instruments which are used to evidence the purchase of auto insurance to protect the vehicles passengers and those passengers potentially injured by such vehicle. In addition, such insurance coverage ensures that any damage to another vehicle caused by the insured vehicle can be paid for. The crime would be categorized as a class E felony (under current law, the punishment for forging such documents is minimal).

It would also be a crime to possess a forged certificate of insurance or insurance identification card. According to the bills co-sponsor, Senator William J. Larkin, Jr. (R/C-Orange), Such a forged instrument is not in the public interest, because it means such motorists are not able to pay for damages inflicted on themselves or the damages they have inflicted on others.

Auto insurance fraud is a serious problem in this state, said Assemblyman Ivan C. Lafayette (D-Queens), the bills Assembly sponsor. It is important that all motorists adhere to the law that requires that they possess insurance coverage to pay for damages inflicted to themselves and for damages such drivers have inflicted on others.

Increasing the criminal penalties for forgery or possession of a forged proof of insurance care or certificate should help to encourage motorists to purchase this important insurance coverage, Larkin concluded.