Skip to content
what is sum coverage, Cellino Law
Legal Insights | | 3 min

What Is SUM Coverage And Why Do I Need It?

By Ross Cellino

Drivers in New York are required to carry auto insurance to protect themselves and others in the event of a car crash. While not entirely common, there are drivers on the road that are operating a motor vehicle with insufficient or no insurance coverage.

If a driver causes an accident, but does not have enough liability coverage, SUM coverage will kick in to help pay for your losses. So, what is SUM coverage and how does it work?

What is SUM Insurance Coverage?

SUM stands for supplemental uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and protects you if you are injured in an accident by a driver that is uninsured or underinsured. The term “uninsured” means that the at fault driver has no insurance while “underinsured” means that the liable driver has less liability insurance coverage than you do and it is not sufficient to properly compensate you for your injurie

Insurance companies are required to offer SUM coverage, and if your policy includes it, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to receive compensation for injuries that are beyond the liable driver’s policy limits.

Do I Need SUM Coverage If I Have No-Fault?

In New York State, every automobile driver carries no-fault insurance coverage, which will help to pay for medical bills if you are injured in a car accident. However, no-fault does not compensate you for all your damages including pain and suffering, lost wages or earning capacity or future medical expenses. Those damage items are covered by the at fault driver’s liability coverage.

However, when a liable driver does not have enough bodily injury liability insurance (or no insurance) to cover your injury-related damages, SUM may be used to cover your damages up to the amount of SUM coverage purchased.

What Are My Options For SUM Coverage?

By New York State Law, every insurance carrier must offer SUM coverage at a minimum of $25,000 per person for bodily injuries and $10,000 for property damage. Since the cost of a serious injury can easily exceed these limits, you should have more than this minimum amount.

However, it’s important to note that your SUM coverage cannot exceed the bodily injury coverage amount on your own insurance policy. For example, if you’d like to increase your SUM coverage to $50,000 per person, you must also do so for your bodily injury liability coverage.

If you’d like to choose to opt out of SUM insurance coverage, you must notify your insurance company and let them know you would not like SUM coverage on your policy — although removing this coverage is not recommended.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to contact a trusted personal injury attorney who understands the in’s and out’s of what is SUM coverage. For a free consultation with a member of our experienced injury law team, contact Cellino Law 24/7 at 888-888-8888.

Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino

Ross Cellino

As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in ManhattanBuffaloMelvilleRochesterBrooklynThe BronxQueens and other locations throughout New York.

Share this Article:

New York Personal Injury Lawyers

Client Testimonials

Over 1,000 Google Reviews →
Construction Accident

“thank you so much for putting your all into this and making sure my family and I wouldn’t have to worry anymore!”

— Anthony M.

Personal Injury

“They consistently went above and beyond to make sure my family and I were taken care of.”

— Ira M.

Manhattan, New York
Motorcycle Accident

“The excellent lawyers at Celino Law offices are assisting me with a recent motorcycle accident case.”

— Justin V.

Manhattan, New York
Slip and Fall Accident

“I’m glad I chose Cellino Law, the best decision ever.”

— Joseph C.

Manhattan, New York
Personal Injury

“They were with me and my husband from the beginning to the end of our case.”

— Maria R.

Manhattan, New York
Personal Injury

“From the beginning they came out and met with my uncle and myself and assured us that everything would be taken care of from beginning to end.”

— Eshaunda R.

Manhattan, New York
Car Accident

“I’m very thankful that I took the step to reach out about my case with Cellino Law.”

— Selin S.

Manhattan, New York
Car Accident

“Instead of feeling like “just another case,” I felt valued and respected every step of the way.”

— Gabriella T.

Brooklyn, New York
Car Accident

““Best law firm around‼️”

— Karon O.

Rochester, New York
Mass Tort

“They made me feel comfortable throughout this experience. I was treated with respect and dignity, they kept me well-informed throughout the process, and the outcome was better than I could have expected. I highly recommend Cellino Law!”

— Sandy L.

Rochester, New York
Personal Injury

“they made me feel very comfortable, almost like a family member.”

— Carol W.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“AMAZING ATTORNEYS AND PARALEGALS!”

— Donna B.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“They have been respectful of our circumstances and responsive to our many questions. And they get results.”

— Nick P.

Rochester, New York
Slip and Fall Accident

“I would highly recommend this law office to any individual that has gone through a traumatic experience. Very reliable, effective and efficient.”

— Tatyanna W.

Rochester, New York
Pedestrian Accident

“after being dropped by a Buffalo attorney who stated I would not even see $10,000 from my accident, the Cellino Law team were amazing and able to get me 9.5 times what the previous attorney said I would get.”

— Nichole L.

Rochester, New York
Slip and Fall Accident

“even when I felt doubtful going through a law suit the reassurance was there,I do recommend their services ,if you are looking for professional and concerned firm Cellino Law is it”

— Barbara B.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“I had the unfortunate experience of being involved in a car accident, but I was incredibly fortunate to have Cellino Law Firm represent me in my lawsuit.”

— Guinevere S.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“As someone who had never pursued legal action before, I appreciated how simple they made the process.”

— Brenda P.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“The start of every conversation I was asked how I was doing, how the recovery from my injury/surgery was going. They gave light in a dark time for me.”

— Jessica A.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“The staff made me feel valued and my case mattered.”

— Sharetta M.

Rochester, New York
Car Accident

“Took me from 6k to 120k. Helped me get a vital surgery with her representation that essentially saved my life.”

— Allan R.

Amherst, New York
Personal Injury

“I was impressed with how professional and patient my lawyer has been on this journey from the beginning to end.”

— Tabitha M.

Amherst, New York
Personal Injury

“I would 100% recommend Cellino Law for anyone needing a lawyer.”

— Megan S.

Amherst, New York
Truck Accident

“There aren’t enough words to express the professionalism, the respect, and genuine compassion that I was given from the very beginning of the first phone call.”

— Patti D.

Amherst, New York
Trip & Fall

“Cellino Law is one of the best law firms”

— Helen P.

Amherst, New York
Car Accident

“My case just resolved for a significant amount and I am extremely satisfied. If you are ever injured in a car accident don’t hesitate to call Cellino Law.”

— Monique B.

Amherst, New York
Trip and Fall

“They were professional and knowledgeable and helped my son receive the compensation he deserved.”

— K.R

Amherst, New York
Car Accident

“I was in a car accident in February and didn’t know what to do next. That’s when I decided to contact Cellino Law and get some guidance. It was the best decision I could have made!”

— Katie B.

Amherst, New York
Car Accident

“Best Law Firm period!”

— Pedro A.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“Great team and very attentive. Highly recommend to anyone recently in a car accident.”

— Randi B.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“They are very knowledgeable and take dedicated time to make sure you get what you deserve and will keep working to your best interest.”

— Katrina M.

Buffalo, New York
Personal Injury

“If you need a compassionate and skilled attorney, I highly recommend Cellino Law. They truly care about their clients.”

— J R.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“Their professionalism made a stressful situation much easier. Highly recommend!”

— Eric B.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“They were incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and always made me feel supported and informed throughout the entire process.”

— Anne S.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“They treat you like more than just a case, and make you comfortable throughout the whole process.”

— Ann W.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“My attorney came to my home because at that point I was unable to walk…”

— Crisanne

Rear-End Accident

“…the attorney that they gave me was a godsend.”

— Merri

Slip and Fall Accident

“Recently I had a slip and fall at a restaurant and injured my knee. It led to me missing work and having to go to multiple doctors appts, MRIs and now PT. A friend of mine suggested I contact an attorney given the severity of the injury. I reached out to Cellino Law and spoke with Brigitte Cellino and her paralegal Katie C. They have been so helpful and informative throughout this whole process, and have been checking in on me frequently to see how I’m doing. Class acts at Cellino, the best around! Call them if you’re looking for a lawyer!”

— Paul K.

Buffalo, New York
Personal Injury

“I was hoping my attorney would help me figure out how I was going to help take care of my family…”

— Anthony

Car Accident

“I was in a car accident in February and didn’t know what to do next. That’s when I decided to contact Cellino Law and get some guidance. It was the best decision I could have made!”

— Katie B.

Amherst, New York
Car Accident

“Getting into a car accident is scary and stressful, figuring out what to do next is even more overwhelming. The staff at Cellino law firm are so kind, understanding and helpful. They treat you like more than just a case, and make you comfortable throughout the whole process. Brigitte Cellino and her assistant Katie C, are the best, and go above and beyond for their clients!”

— Ann W.

Buffalo, New York
Car Accident

“My attorney was able to find the woman that hit me and because of that we were able to have a case…”

— Paulette

Camper Trailer

“We had purchased a camper, and they didn’t put the lug nuts on the wheels…”

— Cristiane

Personal Injury

“I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided by Cellino Law, specifically attorney Joseph DeGeneres and his outstanding assistant, Ian. From the very beginning, Joseph demonstrated a remarkable level of professionalism and expertise. He took the time to explain every detail of my case, answered all my questions, and provided honest, realistic expectations. Ian was always available to assist, ensuring that communication was seamless and that I was kept informed throughout the process. Their dedication and commitment to my case resulted in a favorable outcome, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I highly recommend Cellino Law to anyone in need of legal representation.”

— Chris C.

Rochester, New York
Burn

“After Cellino Law helped me reach a settlement, my life has been a complete one hundred eighty.”

— Melissa

Rear-End Accident

Nick Davis, my lawyer from Cellino Law, listens! Shortly after I was severely rear ended in a car accident I realized I’d need a lawyer and sent emails to a few top companies. Nick Davis was the first to respond (others took days or didn’t respond) and he listened. He worked hard for me and always kept me informed. He and his paralegal Laurie Pecora were always available to answer my questions and explain the process. I am very happy with the outcome and highly recommend Cellino Law.”

— Sherry R.

Rochester, New York
Compound Fracture

“They were professional and knowledgeable and helped my son receive the compensation he deserved.”

— K.R.

Amherst, New York
Car Accident

“I can’t thank Cellino Law enough for everything they have done for me. When Denis Bastible took my case for a rear end car accident over 3 years ago I had no idea what this would turn into. I had to have 3 years of treatment on my back and eventually leading to a back surgery, which at 25 years old is a nightmare. Denis and his paralegal Marisa were nothing but a huge help to me the entire way through the lawsuit process. They were very reassuring that this would end well for me and extremely easy to contact throughout the entire process. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would.”

— Tyler M.

Amherst, New York
Truck Accident

“I said to them ‘if you were going to use a law firm who would you use?’ and time after time the name Cellino came up.”

— Andre

Truck Accident

author image
Truck Accident

Truck Accident

Yes, You Have A Case.

Fill out the form below and we will respond to you shortly.