Do you have the right coverages?
Auto Insurance. Love it or hate it, it is required by law, but what does auto insurance really do, and what affects our auto insurance policies? Vehicle insurance protects the owners of cars, motorcycles, and other motorized vehicles from losses that result from accidents and other incidents involving said vehicles. Most states have a fault-based car insurance system that determines which driver in an accident between two cars was at fault. The insurance for the at-fault driver usually covers the losses. Some states have a no-fault insurance system in which fault is not considered. Each driver’s insurance company pays for the losses of its policyholders. In either system, your vehicle insurance policy includes several different elements.
Personal Injury Protection for Medical Expenses
Personal injury protection covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other types of financial losses you suffer when injured in a car accident. This type of auto insurance usually also extends to the passengers of your vehicle, your relatives who live in your household, and anyone you authorize to use your vehicle. Personal injury protection reimburses covered individuals no matter who was at fault. Vehicle insurance policies often set a maximum amount of personal injury protection. When purchasing a policy, make sure you are picking the correct amount of personal injury coverage that you may need.
Property Damage Liability for Property Losses
Property damage liability pays for the damage that you cause to someone else’s property. It also covers losses caused by anyone you allow to drive your vehicle. Property damage liability covers damage to another driver’s vehicle, as well as any other public or personal property. Like personal injury protection, property damage liability is capped at a maximum amount that you choose when purchasing the policy
Collision for Damage to the Driver’s Car
Collision insurance pays for damage to your car that occurs because of a collision with another car or object. It pays the cost of the car repair, even if you’re the one at fault. Collision coverage usually has a deductible as well. You must pay a certain set amount of the repair cost before the coverage takes over. The higher the deductible you choose up front, the lower your policy will cost.
Comprehensive for Other Types of Losses
Comprehensive insurance pays for damage to your car that occurs because of some event other than a collision. Damage caused by weather, vandalism, and falling objects and more all fall into this category and are typically covered by comprehensive insurance.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance for Extra Protection
Uninsured motorist insurance reimburses you for medical expenses and other injury-related losses if an uninsured driver hits your car. It also covers injuries caused by a hit-and-run driver. Additionally, underinsured motorist insurance provides additional reimbursement for medical expenses and other losses when your losses exceed the amount of coverage carried by an at-fault driver. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage also extends to family members and authorized drivers.
Insurance law, car accident law, and liability determination are all complicated concepts. If you or a loved one is involved in a car accident, it is highly recommended you reach out to a lawyer to further discuss some of the things introduced in this blog. The experienced Phoenix car accident and personal injury attorneys are ready and able to answer any and all questions you may have and will fight to ensure you get what you deserve in your case. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us show you what we can do for you!