New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3266

Introduced
10/31/22  

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 new legislation is expected to enhance consumer protection by providing greater financial support for medical expenses associated with automobile accidents. Advocates argue that the increase to $50,000 in coverage will relieve some of the financial burdens faced by individuals receiving necessary medical treatment following an accident. However, there may be concerns regarding the overall impact on insurance premiums, which could increase as insurers adjust to the expanded coverage requirements. The bill seeks to amend existing laws, particularly P.L.1972, c.70 and P.L.1998, c.21, thereby altering the landscape of automobile insurance in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill S3266 introduces significant changes to the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage requirements for basic automobile insurance policies in New Jersey. The bill proposes to increase the existing PIP coverage from $15,000 to $50,000 per person per accident, while also mandating that standard automobile liability insurance policies include at least $50,000 in personal injury protection coverage. This amendment aims to ensure that individuals involved in automobile accidents have access to adequate medical benefits without regard to negligence or fault.

Contention

Notable points of contention around S3266 may include discussions on the balance between increased coverage and its potential cost implications for consumers. Insurance companies may express concerns about the financial impact of mandatory higher coverage limits, potentially advocating for additional measures to compensate for increased liability risks. Consumer advocacy groups may support the bill, arguing that higher PIP coverage is essential for protecting the interests of individuals injured in accidents, while insurance representatives may argue for caution in implementation to maintain affordability for policyholders.

Companion Bills

NJ A5897

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.