Though it might sound like a complete package, “full coverage” is a bit of a misnomer in the auto insurance department. This actually just refers to a package deal that will vary between policies. Other important items of the policy, like uninsured motorist coverage, are absent from these deals.
Uninsured Motorists
This kind of coverage is special in that it will provide coverage for the policyholder when involved in an accident with someone who does not have any insurance. Legally, every driver should have some form of insurance, the minimum of which varies depending on the state, but this doesn’t necessarily stop someone from driving a car and getting into an accident in someone else’s car. The uninsured motorist lacks liability insurance, which covers the cost of accidents when at fault. Getting into an accident with one means it’s your expense.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Such insurance will negate the risk; if you add uninsured motorist coverage to your policy plan, you will receive coverage in the event that you get into a collision with someone lacking liability insurance. You’ll receive similar benefits with underinsured motorists; these drivers have liability insurance but less than yours. Both forms of insurance are important to get the cost of your damages, which can’t be done without some kind of coverage.
Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Required?
There are a few states that require the purchase, but the majority don’t. For example, as any car accident attorney in Miami could tell you, Florida does not mandate it. The states that preemptively require the coverage include: Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont and Virginia
If you get uninsured motorist coverage, your payment limits must adhere to the minimum set by the state, but it cannot exceed the limits of your liability coverage. If your company and state both allow property damage coverage from uninsured motorists, you cannot get it without uninsured motorist bodily insurance coverage. Keep in mind that regardless of your insurance coverage, you will not be able to file a claim if you attempt to negotiate a payment with the driver on your own. Always make a call to an agent at your policy’s company to get professional advance on what to do after an accident.
Why You Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage
It’s vital to your wallet to get uninsured motorist coverage. If you get into an accident with a driver who lacks sufficient or any insurance at all, you don’t want to deal with picking up the bill out of pocket; it is important to protect yourself on a physical and fiscal level, which is something that uninsured motorist protection can help achieve.
In most cases, it is usually easy and affordable to add the extra coverage to your existing auto insurance policy, especially when you consider how much it protects you in the long run. When comparing quotes with new companies, be sure to consider the extra cost and benefits of uninsured coverage; it raises the bill, but can help pay lost wages, medical bills and suffering.
If you already have a car insurance policy, give your company a call to set an appointment to discuss options for adding uninsured motorist coverage to your policy; your representative can help you determine the best coverage and what the increase in total cost will be.
Review the features of each policy, the rates of insurance and the overall cost of getting coverage. Compare these values with different companies and see what each one can offer you in terms of true full coverage. Miami auto accident lawyers recommend including uninsured motorist coverage in your research.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, contact a Miami personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Jose M. Francisco.
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