That to a point. If somehow the “new” frame passed nys titlement inspection and was writen out in his name, and the insurance company holds a policy for it, it wouldnt be any different than a normal bike on the road. BUT I do see NYS asking some questions about titleing it. I know a guy who runs a auto body shop, for the last 30 years and has done many savlage/rebuilt… titled projects. when you tow it over to NYS to have it inspected they question EVERYTHING. He has to show recipets for where he got parts… etc.
If it were so easy to get a frame off ebay, then just walk to dmv and say here is my title and bike I want it on the road. I am just going to go rob a bike, get a frame and slap it together and call it a day. It doesnt happen like that for the primary reason I just gave.