Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage in New York City 

Why Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage Is Essential in New York 

Learn why Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage is crucial for protecting yourself after a New York car or Motorcycle accident.

Protecting Yourself on the Road: The Importance of SUM Coverage

You may already know that New York drivers are required to carry auto insurance. But what happens if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries? That’s where Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage comes in.

At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we’ve seen too many clients injured in serious car and motorcycle accidents only to discover that the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t even come close to covering their medical bills, lost wages, and long-term needs, let alone money for their pain and suffering. 

What Is Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage?

SUM coverage provides additional protection when the other driver is at fault but doesn’t carry enough liability insurance to fully compensate you for your injuries.

For example:
-The other driver has the New York minimum coverage of  $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury. (NYS DMV Minimum Insurance Requirements)

• Your medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering total $200,000.
• Without SUM coverage, you’d only recover $25,000 from the other driver’s insurer.
• With SUM coverage, your own policy kicks in to cover the shortfall — up to your policy limits.

Why New York Drivers and Motorcyclists Need SUM Coverage

• Minimum insurance is not enough – New York requires only $25,000 per person in bodily injury coverage. For a motorcycle rider, whose injuries are often catastrophic, that’s nowhere near sufficient.
• Medical expenses add up fast – According to the National Safety Council, the average cost of a disabling motor-vehicle injury can exceed $100,000. Motorcycle accidents frequently result in broken bones, head trauma, and surgeries that quickly exceed coverag
• Lost income and future earning capacity – If your injuries prevent you from working, the financial loss can dwarf basic coverage.
• Passenger protection SUM coverage extends to your passengers — whether they’re in your car or riding on your motorcycle.
• Peace of mind – Whether behind the wheel or on two wheels, you can’t control how much coverage another driver has — but you can control your own protection.

How Much SUM Coverage Should You Have?

Most experts recommend that your SUM limits match your liability limits. For many New Yorkers, this means choosing $100,000/$300,000 or higher. While this increases your premium slightly, the protection it provides if you’re in a serious accident is invaluable.

The New York State Department of Financial Services provides detailed information on coverage options, but reviewing your policy with an attorney or trusted insurance advisor can ensure you’re adequately protected.

What to Do If You’re Injured by an Underinsured Driver

If you’ve been injured in a car or motorcycle accident and the other driver’s insurance isn’t enough, you need to act quickly:

• Report the accident to your insurance company.
• Review your policy to determine your SUM coverage limits.
• Speak with an experienced New York personal injury attorney to evaluate your damages and handle negotiations with the insurance companies.

Insurance carriers often try to minimize SUM payouts. Having a lawyer by your side ensures your claim is handled properly and you recover the full amount available to you.

Why Choose The Bongiorno Law Firm

At The Bongiorno Law Firm, we focus on protecting New Yorkers injured in car accidents. We understand the ins and outs of SUM coverage, policy disputes, and how to fight insurance companies when they fail to pay fairly.

Our attorneys will:

• Evaluate your claim to determine available SUM benefits.
• Handle all communication with insurance companies.
• Advocate aggressively to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Conclusion: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The best time to secure SUM coverage is before an accident happens — whether you drive a car, ride a motorcycle, or both

Check your policy today and increase your limits if needed. If you’ve already been injured by an underinsured driver, don’t face the process alone — call The Bongiorno Law Firm for a free consultation.