New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5897

Introduced
12/18/23  

Caption

Revises personal injury protection coverage for basic automobile insurance policies from $15,000 to $50,000 and requires $50,000 minimum personal injury protection coverage for standard automobile liability insurance policies.

Impact

The proposed changes in A5897 would significantly impact how personal injury protection is structured within New Jersey's automobile insurance framework. By raising the minimum coverage level, the bill seeks to address concerns about inadequate compensation for accident-related expenses, a frequent criticism of the current $15,000 limit. This legislative action is likely to affect both policyholders’ premiums and the overall insurance market, as insurers may need to adjust their pricing strategies to reflect the newfound coverage requirements.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5897 aims to amend the existing provisions related to personal injury protection coverage in automobile insurance policies. The bill proposes increasing the personal injury protection coverage limit for basic automobile insurance policies from $15,000 to $50,000. Additionally, it mandates that standard automobile liability insurance policies must include a minimum personal injury protection coverage of $50,000 per person, per accident. This substantial increase is intended to ensure that policyholders have better financial protection in the event of automobile accidents and resulting medical expenses.

Contention

During discussions surrounding the bill, various stakeholders expressed differing views on the implications of these amendments. Proponents argue that the increased coverage is necessary to cover rising medical costs and prevent policyholders from suffering financial hardship after accidents. Conversely, some critics have raised concerns about potential increases in insurance premiums as insurance companies adjust to the new requirements. Lawmakers and consumer advocacy groups emphasize the need for a balanced approach that protects consumers while maintaining affordable coverage options.

Companion Bills

NJ S3266

Same As Revises personal injury protection coverage for basic automobile insurance policies from $15,000 to $50,000 and requires $50,000 minimum personal injury protection coverage for standard automobile liability insurance policies.

Previously Filed As

NJ S1382

Revises personal injury protection coverage for basic automobile insurance policies from $15,000 to $20,000 and requires $50,000 minimum personal injury protection coverage for standard automobile liability insurance policies.

NJ S3125

Eliminates certain personal injury protection options available under standard automobile insurance policies; requires $250,000 of medical expense benefits under standard and basic automobile insurance policies.

NJ S3367

Requires liability insurance coverage for special automobile insurance policies.

NJ A2853

Requires liability insurance coverage for special automobile insurance policies.

NJ A280

Raises minimum amounts of property damage liability, uninsured motorist, and underinsured motorist coverage for certain automobile insurance policies.

NJ S3124

Increases certain minimum limits for motor vehicle and automobile insurance coverages.

NJ S3142

Prohibits selection of health insurance coverage as primary under personal injury protection coverage.

NJ S3157

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

NJ SB5721

AN ACT Relating to enhancing consumer protections for automobile insurance coverage;

NJ HB1645

Enhancing consumer protections for automobile insurance coverage.

Similar Bills

NJ A4570

Prohibits automobile insurers from increasing automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in automobile accidents.

US SB711

Transportation Freedom Act

US HB2814

Transportation Freedom Act

NJ S1382

Revises personal injury protection coverage for basic automobile insurance policies from $15,000 to $20,000 and requires $50,000 minimum personal injury protection coverage for standard automobile liability insurance policies.

NJ S834

Prohibits automobile insurers from using underwriting rules to raise automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in motor vehicle accidents.

NJ S3125

Eliminates certain personal injury protection options available under standard automobile insurance policies; requires $250,000 of medical expense benefits under standard and basic automobile insurance policies.

NJ A1214

Prohibits automobile insurers from using underwriting rules to raise automobile insurance rates on persons deemed not at fault in motor vehicle accidents involving municipal vehicles.

NJ A1639

Clarifies that owners of self-driving motor vehicles must comply with existing insurance requirements.