N.J. Stat. § 17:29B-17

Current through L. 2024, c. 87.

Section 17:29B-17 - Prohibited insurance practices relative to victims of domestic violence

An insurer, on the basis that the insured or prospective insured: is or may be a victim of domestic violence; employs a person who is or may be a victim of domestic violence; or is a domestic violence shelter that is operating pursuant to the standards set forth in P.L. 1979, c.337 (C.30:14-1 et seq.) or is employed by a domestic violence shelter, shall not discriminate by engaging in the practices set forth in subsections a., b. and c. of this section. The prohibited practices are:

a. denying, refusing to issue or renew, canceling or otherwise terminating an insurance policy;

(1) restricting, excluding or limiting benefits under an insurance policy,

(2) denying a covered claim incurred by an insured as a result of domestic violence, or

(3) failing to pay claims arising out of abuse to an innocent claimant to the extent of that claimant's legal interest in the covered property if the loss is caused by the intentional act of an insured, or using other exclusions or limitations on coverage which the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance has determined unreasonably restrict the ability of a victim of domestic violence to be indemnified for the loss; or

c. adding a premium differential to any insurance policy.

The provisions of paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection b. of this section shall not require payment in excess of the loss or policy limits. The provisions of paragraph (3) of subsection b. of this section shall not require payment in the event that the claimant conspires with the insured to commit insurance fraud. Nothing in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection b. of this section shall be construed to prohibit an insurer from applying reasonable standards of proof to claims under this section.

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to require an insurer to issue or renew an insurance policy or contract, or provide benefits or coverage for claims, solely on the basis that an insured or prospective insured: is or may be a victim of domestic violence; employs a person who is or may be a victim of domestic violence; or is a domestic violence shelter or is employed by a domestic violence shelter.

N.J.S. § 17:29B-17

Added by L. 2003, c. 41, s. 2, eff. 4/14/2003.