Uber’s Spending Pushes Auto-Insurance Overhaul Into Election Spotlight

Uber’s political spending in New York has placed a newly enacted auto-insurance overhaul at the center of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s reelection campaign. Since January, the company has supported more than $13 million in advertising and mailers promoting Hochul and policies associated with her administration.

The spending operates through several channels. Fair and Affordable New York, a group solely funded by Uber, has paid for television spots. Meanwhile, a separate group, Citizens for Affordable Rates, reported $12.7 million in lobbying expenses and $11.97 million in independent expenditures supporting Hochul during the first six months of the year.

The enacted budget changes the rules governing motor-vehicle injury claims. A new provision bars people found at least 51% responsible for a crash from recovering non-economic damages and removes the 90/180-day serious-injury category from the previous framework.

Uber confirms that insurance is a significant regulatory requirement for its U.S. Mobility business. The spending has drawn criticism from political opponents, while voters await future filings and data to determine the actual impact of the new law.