NY A02586

Allows insurers to optionally permit insured individuals to self-inspect their vehicles and submit digital photographs and signed inspection forms instead of requiring in-person inspections by the insurer or authorized representative.

Self-inspection option applies only to personal lines automobile insurance and does not apply to vehicles covered by the New York automobile insurance plan.

Requires submitted digital photographs to be in color, .jpeg format with minimum 2048 x 1536 pixel resolution, 200KB-5MB file size, and metadata showing date and time taken within 10 days before or 14 days after the inspection form date.

Insured must certify accuracy and authenticity of inspection form information under penalty of perjury; any knowing misrepresentation constitutes a fraudulent insurance act.

If photographs fail to meet requirements or contain inaccuracies, the insurer must request a subsequent in-person inspection by the insurer or authorized representative, and can refuse to continue physical damage coverage until inspection is completed.