About NY’s SUM bill, also known as the "Driver and Family Protection Act”

In December of 2017, New York legislators enacted the Supplementary Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (SUM) bill, also known as the “Driver and Family Protection Act.” The legislation addressed serious problems that New York drivers and passengers faced when involved in motor vehicle accidents with uninsured or underinsured motorists.
The SUM law requires insurance carriers in New York to automatically provide maximum supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage on all auto policies issued in New York unless the customer opts out or affirmatively refuses such coverage in writing. Too many New York drivers discovered the necessity of SUM coverage after it was too late.
Prior to the enactment of this legislation, few New Yorkers purchased SUM coverage, let alone knew it existed. Most insurance companies didn’t push the sale of SUM coverage to customers since it didn’t generate much profit. Most New Yorkers were completely unaware that unless they purchased additional SUM coverage on their automobile insurance policy, individually they may only be covered by the legal minimum of $25,000 for injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. SUM pushes this limit up to the same level of bodily injury liability insurance a motorist’s policy provides for others.
Thus, SUM insurance covers those losses above the limits of the insurance policy of the uninsured or underinsured driver. As an example, if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident and the other driver has $25,000 of insurance coverage and you have $500,000 in SUM coverage on your personal insurance policy, you may recover up to $475,000 from your SUM policy once the limits of the other driver’s policy have been exhausted. Thus, as a result of the “Driver and Family Protection Act,” New York drivers and passengers are in a better position to receive complete compensation for any injuries suffered in an accident involving an uninsured or underinsured motorist.
Bonina and Bonina, P.C. has successfully represented New Yorkers injured in motor vehicle accidents for over 50 years. Our experienced attorneys offer the necessary assistance to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Contact us at 1-888-MedLaw1 or online so we can help you. The consultation is free, so call today! Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla espaňol.]]>