There is currently a bill before Gov. Andrew Cuomo that will severely limit choice for New York drivers. Trial lawyers pushed for this legislation to trick drivers into purchasing supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage can be an appropriate option but is not always necessary. Whether or not a person should buy such coverage and, if so, how much, depends on a person's individual situation.

This supplemental coverage is readily available at different monetary levels. This legislation would force individuals to opt out of this coverage as opposed to the current, transparent process of opting in. The opt-out will mislead people into purchasing coverage that was designed to be optional. This bill also applies to businesses — roping them into bad public policy that only drives up costs.

Many different types of coverage are available to protect a driver and their passengers in the event of an auto accident. Personal injury protection is automatically part of an auto policy and provides $50,000 per person. Additional personal injury protection and optional basic economic loss can also be purchased. In addition, other types of insurance may also provide coverage, such as workers compensation and health insurance.

Why are trial lawyers pushing for this legislation? The answer: Supplementary uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, unlike other types of insurance, includes pain and suffering awards. Trial lawyers thrive on suing for pain and suffering.

Cuomo vetoed a similar bill in 2012 and needs to stand up for insurance consumers and do the same thing again.

Ellen Melchionni

President, New York Insurance Association Inc.

www.nyia.org

Albany