CAR AND AUTO INSURANCE : Making Sure You’re Properly Covered

When it comes to auto insurance coverage, there are many drivers out there unaware of potential uncovered losses. The problem today, is that many are driving comfortably thinking that in case of an accident, their policy will take care of all damages.

This can definitely be a dangerous situation because in case of an accident, the realization that you will have uncovered losses becomes known.

It’s not too late to take a second look at your auto insurance coverage and understand what your policy covers and what is not covered in case of a claim. Get your policy declarations page which would show you what coverages you have and lets look at the coverage together.

A declarations page usually will include a description of the included vehicles and it will include the premium for each vehicle and the coverage included. Each vehicle can have unique coverage so is important to understand each vehicle’s coverage.

For example, most vehicles will have at least liability coverage (in most states) and will have an abbreviation of coverage as this example shows:

* $35,000 each accident, per person
* $50,000 each accident, multiple persons
* $35,000 each accident for property damage

This above example is the liability portion of your coverage. If this is the only coverage you have, it is important to realize that your vehicle will not be covered for losses such as theft, at fault accidents, vandalism and other vehicle damages and your medical injuries will not be covered in case of an at fault accident.

Many are not aware that if an accident’s damages exceed the policy protection amounts, a policyholder may be left owing the uncovered damages; therefore, it is a good idea to obtain auto insurance quotes on higher limits. Most policies can be raised to an amount where you could be more properly covered and comfortable with the protection amounts.

Other coverages you may have are medical payments which pay your and your passenger’s injuries. One thing to look out for is that this coverage generally is quite low, for example $5,000. This will not usually pay for serious injuries; therefore, if you want to cover your personal injuries in case of an at fault accident, you should consider purchasing a health policy on the side, or you may already have one through your employer.

Another coverage is Uninsured Motorist coverage. Many consumers are told that this would cover your vehicle and your injuries if you were to get hit by a driver with no insurance coverage or if you get hit by a hit-and-run driver. Be aware that there are limitations to this coverage which should be listed in a similar format as your liability coverage. Also be aware that in case of hit-and-run, you must get a license plate number for the coverage to kick in. Speak with an agent for further details and the exact situations it may or may not cover.

Does your policy include a rental vehicle in case of an accident? It is often that policyholder find out that they do not have a rental vehicle during their vehicle repairs after the fact. You may say “My agent never told me I didn’t have rental car coverage!” Before that happens, take a look at your declarations page, if it’s not in there, add it if you wish.

Comprehensive and Collision coverage is what pays for your vehicle repairs. Be aware that it normally covers the blue book value of your vehicle and not what you may still owe to a finance company. Contact your finance company and ask them for “GAP” coverage so that you wont be left owing interest on a vehicle you do not have due to a total loss.

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