Auto Insurance Basics

We know insurance is not something that you want to think about; you just want to know that you are covered in the event something happens.  There are several coverage options available to meet your individual needs.   

Here is a quick lesson about the coverages available with your automobile insurance policy.

Bodily Injury Liability provides coverage, up to your policy limit, if you cause injury or death to someone while driving your car.  If you are sued by someone whom you have injured, this will provide a defense for you.

Property Damage Liability provides coverage, up to your policy limit, for a person’s vehicle or property that you damage while driving your car.  If you are sued by someone whose property you damaged, this will provide a defense for you. 

Medical Payments provides coverage, up to your policy limit, for injuries sustained by the driver and passengers in your car. In addition, it provides coverage as a pedestrian if you are hit by a vehicle.

Uninsured Motorist provides payment, up to your policy limit, for your injuries if you are hit by a person who does not have insurance coverage.   

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage provides payment, up to your policy limit, for the damage to your vehicle if hit by a person who does not have insurance coverage. 

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle when damaged by something other than a collision.  A few examples include: if you hit a deer, your vehicle is stolen or your vehicle is damaged by fire. 

Collision coverage protects your vehicle when it is hit by another vehicle or object. 

Rental Reimbursement coverage pays a specific amount when you must rent a vehicle because of a collision loss that is covered under your policy.

Roadside Assistance  coverage pays, on a reimbursement basis, for your vehicle to be towed to the nearest facility up to the dollar amount purchased under the policy.

Depending upon the state in which your vehicle is located, certain coverages are required by law and other coverage's, such as Personal Injury Protection and Underinsured Motorist, are available.  Be sure to ask your insurance agent about required coverages and options.

Disclaimer:

These descriptions are meant to help you in determining your insurance needs.  These are not complete descriptions and do not constitute an insurance contract or coverage for specific losses. For a complete description please consult your policy contract or contact your insurance agent.