What's In Your Car Insurance Policy?
Car insurance policies are a necessity, but most of us don’t give them much thought. Only when a serious accident has occurred do people work to understand their coverage.
By that time, it is usually too late – adding coverage after an incident won’t help pay the bills racked up in the initial accident. Be proactive, and instead of waiting for a crisis, take a look at what your current policy includes. Be on the lookout for:
1. Uninsured motorist coverage.
1 in 7 motorists in the United States don’t have car insurance. If you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured driver, you’ll be glad you paid for uninsured motorist coverage. It will help cover the costs of medical bills and car repairs. But how much will your insurance company cover? Double check and make sure your uninsured motorist coverage is at the same level as your liability coverage. You wouldn’t want to be caught with anything less.
2. Personal Injury Protection.
If you cause an accident that results in injuries, your personal injury protection, or PIP, will cover the cost of medical bills and lost wages for the victims. Most states don’t require drivers to carry this level of coverage, but without it, you could be forking over money out of your own pocket. PIP coverage levels vary from state to state, but can sometimes include funeral costs and child care bills.
3. Coverage for Drivers of Your Vehicle.
Imagine your live-in significant other drives your car while you snooze in the passenger seat on a road trip. If they are involved in a crash behind the wheel, the insurance company is not likely to cover the accident – unless they are listed on your policy. A person living with you is more likely to drive your car all the time, which increases the risk of that person wrecking your car. Be sure you include any licensed drivers sharing your home on your policy, or you may be sorry later.
4. Acts of God Exclusions.
Comprehensive insurance should mean you’re covered in the worst case scenarios, right? Wrong. Many auto policies include Acts of God exclusions. If your car is damaged in a flood, earthquake or hurricane, there’s a chance the insurance company won’t cover repairs. Make sure you understand what is – and isn’t – defined as one of these exclusions.
Going through your insurance policy isn’t the most exciting way to spend an afternoon, but having complete understanding of your coverage could save you many hours of stress and a lot of money in the long run. As they say, better safe than sorry!
Virginia Car Accident Lawyers
The Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C. has helped victims injured in car accidents for over 30 years. If you or your loved one has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact us for a free consultation. Their is no obligation, and you don’t owe us any legal fees unless we settle or win your case.