Governor Paterson Vetoes Bill Providing No-Fault Coverage for Drunk Drivers

<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]-->

<!--[if gte mso 10]>

<![endif]-->New York State Governor David Paterson has vetoed legislation to extend no-fault insurance benefits to drunk drivers who get injured in automobile accidents.

The bill, S.8294-A, would have repealed New York's Alcohol Exclusion law, which allows insurance companies to deny this coverage to motorists who drive while under the influence.

Currently, New York's basic no-fault coverage does not apply to anyone who drives a car while drunk if the insurer can prove that the accident was a cause of intoxication.  However, the intoxicated operator's no-fault coverage will extend to passengers of DWI violators and pedestrian victims.

The Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York, a trade group, had recommended that Paterson veto the bill, arguing that it would lead to increased premiums.