Noting that volunteers play an integral role in assisting the elderly and the disabled, Ocean County officials are urging the passage of proposed legislation that will help remove insurance obstacles that could affect volunteer drivers.
“The volunteer networks in Ocean County spread far and wide,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. “Many volunteers serve as drivers for the frail, elderly and disabled. They are truly a lifeline for individuals who need to get to appointments and cannot drive themselves.”
Vicari noted that proposed state legislation, S-2249, removes insurance obstacles for those who would serve as volunteer drivers for nonprofit organizations in New Jersey.
According to a press release from the county, the bill prohibits the use of volunteer driving activities as an underwriting or rating factor to determine eligibility for private passenger automobile insurance or any premium or other charge paid.
The bill is intended to protect the volunteer driver with respect to private passenger automobile rate increases and surcharges, non-renewal or refusal to write coverage and refusal to pay claims, based on their driving experience while performing volunteer driving activities as described by the bill.
“Simply put, volunteer drivers should not be penalized for doing a good deed in helping some of our most vulnerable residents — people who can’t get around on their own,” Vicari said.
The bill’s sponsor is state Sen. Robert M. Gordon (D-Bergen), and Sen. Robert Singer (R-Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Mercer) and Sen. Christopher Connors (R-Ocean, Atlantic, Burlington) have signed on as prime co-sponsors.
State Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (RMonmouth, Ocean, Burlington, Mercer) is expected to introduce companion legislation in the Assembly.
“I want to thank our state legislators for their efforts to protect our volunteers,” Vicari said. “They are well aware of the significance and the help they provide.”
The Ocean County Board of Freeholders supports the proposed legislation and will pass a resolution endorsing it.
The county leads the state with the highest percentage of individuals 65 years old and over and the fastest-growing segment is the 85-and-over group.
Vicari noted that many potential volunteer drivers are reluctant to take on the task because they fear doing so would impact negatively on their insurance.