New Jersey Senate Bill S1512

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Requires notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of automobile and homeowners insurance policies to be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Impact

This bill amends existing statutes, specifically P.L.1968, c.131 and P.L.1968, c.158, which govern insurance practices in New Jersey. By requiring the use of certified mail, the legislation aims to improve consumer protection by creating a verifiable record of communication between insurers and policyholders. Consequently, if an insurer fails to follow this mailing procedure, the cancellation or nonrenewal of policies may not take effect, thus potentially providing additional coverage for consumers.

Summary

Senate Bill S1512, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to enhance the notification process for the cancellation or nonrenewal of automobile and homeowners insurance policies. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurance companies must provide written notification of cancellation or intent not to renew such policies via certified mail, return receipt requested, in addition to regular mail. This is intended to ensure that insured individuals receive reliable confirmation about significant changes to their insurance coverage, which can protect consumers from unexpected lapses in their insurance.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill regarding the operational burden it places on insurance providers. Insurers might argue that the requirement for certified mail substantially increases administrative costs and complicates the cancellation process, potentially leading to longer response times for consumers. Some advocates for consumer rights may welcome the bill for enhancing transparency and ensuring consumers are adequately informed about their policies. Overall, the discussion around S1512 emphasizes the balance between consumer protection and the logistical implications for insurance companies operating in New Jersey.