Glen Reilly, Petitioner-Appellant v. Aaa Mid-Atlantic Insurance Company of New Jersey, Respondent-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division, holding that the Department of Banking and Insurance exceeded its statutory authority by classifying a single‑vehicle, weather‑related accident as an "at‑fault" event for insurance eligibility points; the regulation must be interpreted using negligence concepts, not purely underwriting criteria. The Court also addressed mootness, finding the issue of public importance despite the lack of relief for the plaintiff, and affirmed the need for deference limits on agency interpretations.