You know you have car insurance but do you know what it covers? Many drivers don’t fully understand their policies, which can lead to unpleasant surprises when you need to make a claim.
In this article, our car accident attorneys share with you why it’s so important to know what your policy says and what it means for you if you need to take advantage of it.
Understanding Your Car Insurance Coverage: Why It Matters
We commonly consider car insurance to be a safety net, something which we pay for so that when the unexpected occurs, we don’t find ourselves even worse off as a result. Unfortunately, too often, that is precisely the outcome many people experience. Maintaining only minimum coverage might not be enough, and when you live in a state that operates on a fault-based system, your policy might not be as valuable as you expect at all.
Overall, there are three key reasons why you should read your policy very closely and consider what it means for you in the event of an accident.
Minimum Coverage Levels Often Aren’t Enough
Many states mandate that you carry some form of automotive accident insurance, although the amounts vary from state to state. Some states may even require you to have uninsured motorist coverage. While you may think the legally mandated amounts are enough to cover any expenses you might incur in an accident, the reality is far different.
Severe accidents, especially those causing injuries, can leave you facing bills that far exceed the coverage limits of your policy. At that point, you may have little recourse when it comes to getting more money from your insurer. You will have to consider seeking other remedies, such as suing the at-fault party — but they may not have the assets to cover any appreciable settlement. Carefully consider your coverage levels and balance safety with sound financial decision making.
Accidents Don’t Provide Time for You to Review Your Policy
It’s essential to know what kind of damages your policy covers before you have an accident and discover you aren’t covered for something you expected. Even things that might seem minor, such as a temporary rental car replacement for your wrecked vehicle, can be a significant help when you’re suffering from the effects of a collision. Always review the actual terms of your policy and discuss questions and concerns with your insurer.
The Costs You Incur After an Accident Can Be Surprising
There’s no easy way to predict what costs you may face following an accident, but the loss of your vehicle may only be the beginning. Ambulance fees, hospital bills, and ongoing care and rehabilitation can combine to sap an individual’s income without a substantial insurance settlement. Don’t find out firsthand just how surprising these fees can be; check your policy for coverage terms first.
Related post: 5 Possible Reasons Why Your Car Accident Insurance Claim Was Denied
Finding Help When You’re Struggling After an Accident
Though you may expect the insurance company to be on your side after an accident, many adjusters are more interested in minimizing payouts than helping you move on with your life. Worse still, when you’ve been hurt and have to miss work, the settlement offers from insurers might not even come close to offsetting the financial losses from your personal injury.
Personal injury law is complex and seeking out a better outcome for your case is not always easy. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney is critical in these types of situations. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, our deep insights into this area of the law and record of success in and out of court place us in a strong position to help others.
If you are unsure about what steps to take following an accident with personal injuries and you’ve encountered issues with your insurance policy, arrange for a consultation at our offices today.
Testimonial from Stephen, Satisfied Personal Injury Client
Adam Hepburn and HHJ Trial Attorneys are very professional and compassionate in a time my wife and I needed them most. Adam helped me with my personal injury case from a car accident last year. I was referred to Adam through a friend and was immediately provided with a feeling of relief as he made everything seem so clear and understandable. His communication on when and what I needed to do was reassuring as my wife and I had never had to deal with anything like that before.
