Below is a brief description of general policy language, it’s meaning and an explanation of the coverage. Insurance coverages and laws vary from state to state. This information is not meant to be all encompassing. For specific coverage information in your state, contact your local licensed insurance agent or contact your state insurance department.
Every year, thousands of people are involved in motor vehicle accidents. Whether the collision involves major property damage and injury, or is a seemingly minor fender-bender, it will most likely entail making a claim for damages with an auto insurance coverage company, your own, or the other driver’s.
There are common steps:
While not all accidents are alike, there are common steps that anyone involved in a collision should take to ensure that they are appropriately compensated for their losses.
Bodily Injury Liability
Is coverage for injuries that you cause to others that you become legally liable to pay for. Your policy will pay for these injuries to other up to the limit of the policy, which you determine at the time you purchase the policy. You may also want to contact an injury lawyer to help you through the legal process if you’re filing an accident claim.
Property Damage Liability
Is coverage for damage to the property of others, cause by you that you are legally liable to pay for. Your policy will pay the cost to repair or replace this property up to the limit of your policy which you determine at the time you purchase the policy.
Uninsured Motorist / Underinsured Motorist
Is coverage you purchase to protect yourself from those who for whatever reason, do not have liability coverage (or enough coverage) at the time they would become legally liable to you. Coverage can be purchased for bodily injury and in some states property damage as well. You can also contact an injury lawyer for compensation if you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident.
Medical Payments
Is coverage for minor injuries to persons injured in your vehicle. This coverage may be purchased in amounts usually ranging from $500.00 to $10,000.00, you may get more depending on which car accident lawyer you hire.
Comprehensive
Is coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by such things as theft, fire, hail, hitting a deer, etc… The policy will pay for the cost to repair or the (ACV) actual cash value, if the vehicle is determined to be a total loss, less the comprehensive deductible that you chose at the time you purchased the policy.
Collision
Is coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision or upset. The policy will pay for the cost to repair or the (ACV) actual cash value if the vehicle is determined to be a total loss; less the collision deductible that you chose at the time you purchased your policy. And if you need a lawyer to help you through the legal process, then you might want to research your local options, read reviews and determine the right law firm for you.
Towing
Is coverage to have towing of your vehicle in the event of a mechanical breakdown. The policy will usually reimburse you for these charges up to the limit of coverage you designated at the time you purchased your policy, usually $50.00 to $100.00
Rental
Is coverage to provide you with a replacement vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired due to a collision or comprehensive claim. It will pay a daily rate selected by you at the time you purchase the policy, usually from $15.00 to $50.00 per day. There is also generally a limit on the number of days or a maximum dollar amount that will be paid.
