If you are driving in California, then you should have car insurance. However, we know that it can be confusing to know which type of coverage you need and what you don’t need. We recommend you talk to an insurance broker who can help you understand the options, but in the meantime, you can read on to learn about the different types of car insurance coverage.
Liability Coverage
This is the part of auto insurance that is mandatory in almost all 50 states. Each state sets its own coverage requirements. There are two parts to this type of coverage. First, bodily injury liability pays for costs related to another person’s injuries if you are at fault for an accident. Second, property damage liability pays for property damage if you are at fault for a car accident. Neither type o liability insurance offers any coverage for the insured.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
In the event you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance, uninsured motorist coverage can cover your medical bills and/or repairs to your vehicle, depending on your coverage. Likewise, if you are hit by a driver who does have insurance but their insurance is not enough to cover your medical bills, then underinsured coverage can help.
Comprehensive Coverage
If your vehicle is damaged due to fire, hail, or vandalism, or if it is stolen, then comprehensive insurance can help cover your costs. It can repair or replace your vehicle up to the actual cash value, depending on your coverage. You will have a deductible, which is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurer reimburses you. The higher your deductible is, the lower your monthly premium likely is.
Collision Coverage
While it is optional at the state level, if you have a loan out on your vehicle, then the lender might require collision coverage. As the name implies, it covers your vehicle in the event that it collides with something. Most often, this involves another vehicle, but it can also involve a collision with a home, a fence, or any other object.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments coverage can help pay for costs associated with injuries you, your passengers, or your family member incurs while driving the insured vehicle. This can include hospital costs, surgery, x-rays, and many other types of medical costs.
If you have been injured in a car accident in which someone else was at fault, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now to request a free legal consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
