On November 14, 2022, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) issued Bulletin No. 22-09 regarding compliance with P.L.2022, c.87 (the “Act”), which was enacted through Senate Bill 481 and went into effect on August 5, 2022. The Act amended existing law to increase the minimum limits of liability, uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist insurance coverage that must be provided in automobile insurance policies issued in the state of New Jersey.
The Bulletin reminds automobile insurers of their obligations to comply with the Act and outlines the specifics for same. Among other things, the Bulletin states:
- All insurers issuing automobile insurance policies in the state of New Jersey must have approved rates on file for the new minimum coverage limits in order to comply with the Act.
- Any private passenger automobile insurer required to file rates to comply with the Act must do so no later than November 21, 2022.
- Any commercial automobile insurer required to file rates to comply with the Act must do so no later than January 30, 2023.
- The Department has updated the personal lines Buyer’s Guide and the commercial lines Buyer’s Guide in accordance with the Act, which can be found on the Department's website. Insurers will be required to provide the Buyer’s Guide, as revised, for new and renewal business as soon as practicable.
- Insurers should also update policy forms that reference minimum coverage limits to comply with the increases implemented by the Act. All policy forms updated in accordance with the Act must be filed with the Department. The Department requests that insurers complete any required form filings by no later than November 21, 2022.
Please contact Carl Sornson, Assistant Commissioner with the Office of Property and Casualty Insurance, at Carl.Sornson@dobi.nj.gov with any questions regarding the Bulletin.
