New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2993

Introduced
3/18/24  

Caption

Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy.

Impact

The bill directly impacts the way motor vehicle liability insurance operates in New Jersey by mandating that all policies provide full recovery amounts as stipulated in the policy without arbitrary limitations. This change could encourage individuals to seek justice in civil claims without fear of being under-compensated due to insurance loopholes. By enforcing stricter rules on coverage limits, the bill aims to provide financial assurance to policyholders in the event of accidents involving uninsured or underinsured motorists, thus promoting more robust protection against financial liability from such incidents.

Summary

Senate Bill 2993 aims to amend the existing automobile insurance policies within New Jersey, specifically prohibiting insurance companies from imposing restrictions on the recovery amounts under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. This bill ensures that insured individuals can recover the full amount allowable under their policies without facing limits that reduce this amount based on their status as named insureds or permissive users. The legislation aims to enhance consumer protections in automobile insurance, particularly in ensuring fair compensation for bodily injuries and property damage sustained in accidents.

Conclusion

Senate Bill 2993 represents an important legislative effort to reform automobile insurance in New Jersey, aiming to bolster the rights of policyholders regarding their recovery limits post-accident. The potential implications of this bill merit careful consideration, as it not only addresses consumer protections but could also reshape the dynamics between insurers and insured individuals. The bill's enforcement may lead to a greater emphasis on equitable treatment of policyholders in claims processes.

Contention

While the bill is designed to protect consumers, it may face contention from insurance companies concerned about potential increases in costs that could arise from higher claims payouts. Insurers may argue that the removal of restrictions on recovery limits could lead to abuse of the system or an increase in fraudulent claims. Consequently, there might be discussions regarding how this legislation might affect overall insurance rates in the state and its implications on the broader insurance market, especially pertaining to the balance between coverage, premiums, and profitability.

Companion Bills

NJ A4054

Same As Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy.

NJ S2980

Carry Over Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy.

Similar Bills

NJ A1761

Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy.

NJ S2293

Requires automobile insurance policies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to policy liability limits of insured motorists.

NJ S4133

Requires automobile insurance policies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to policy liability limits of insured motorists.

NJ S4156

Prohibits automobile insurance policies from disclaiming uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage based on use of motor vehicle owned by insured's employer.

NJ A5445

Prohibits automobile insurance policies from disclaiming uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage based on use of motor vehicle owned by insured's employer.

NJ S2980

Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy.

NJ S481

Requires automobile insurance policies to provide certain minimum amounts of liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage.

NJ A4291

Requires automobile insurance policies to provide certain minimum amounts of liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage.