The proposed bill amends New Jersey's automobile insurance laws by establishing a new requirement for medical expense benefits, mandating that all standard and basic automobile insurance policies provide a minimum of $250,000 per person per accident. This replaces the previous limit of $15,000 and eliminates options for lower coverage amounts, ensuring that drivers have adequate protection in the event of an accident. The bill also clarifies that any medical benefits exceeding $75,000 for an individual in an accident will be reimbursable to the insurer from the Unsatisfied Claim and Judgment Fund, and it outlines the conditions under which medical treatments and services must be provided, emphasizing adherence to accepted medical protocols.

Additionally, the bill modifies personal injury protection coverage options by allowing insurers to exclude certain benefits related to income continuation, essential services, death benefits, and funeral expenses. It specifies that medical expense benefits are not assignable and may be subject to deductibles and copayments as outlined in the policy. The changes aim to streamline coverage options while enhancing the level of medical expense benefits available to insured individuals, particularly in cases of severe injuries. The bill will take effect 30 days after enactment and will apply to all automobile insurance policies issued or renewed thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39:6A-3.1, 39:6A-4, 39:6A-4.3