Several insurance companies have dropped coverage for many Long Island homeowners ahead of hurricane season, and a New York state official said Tuesday their actions might have been illegal.

New York State Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo said it is not illegal for a company to stop covering a client in an area they deem too risky. However, Dinallo said companies like Allstate and Liberty Mutual may have engaged in consumer coercion when they told customers they'd keep covering them if they also bought automobile insurance.

"Consumers should be allowed to buy one product without being forced to buy another," he said.

Dinallo is sending a warning letter to all companies. Allstate and Liberty Mutual, though, claim they've been corresponding with the state for at least a year and were never told to alter their policies, which they believe are legal.

Anyone whose coverage has been dropped because of their car insurance affiliation can contact their agent or the state insurance hotline at (800) 342-3736.

To watch the news conference with New York State Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information: NYS Insurance Department