With so many types of car insurance available, it can be difficult to determine which is which and what options are best for you. At The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we encourage everyone to be sure they understand all available options. You can do so by continuing to read. If you have already been involved in a car accident and require help from an attorney, call us at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
- Liability Coverage
- Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Collision Coverage
- Medical Payments
- Personal Injury Protection
In most states, including California, liability coverage is required by law. You must purchase the minimum, which has two components: bodily injury liability that pays for costs related to another person’s injuries if you are a fault, and property damage liability that pays for damage to their vehicles.
If you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have insurance, and they were at fault, uninsured motorist coverage will pay your medical bills and/or for repairs to your vehicle. The underinsured portion of this policy covers you if you are hit by someone who does have insurance but does not have enough to cover your bills.
If your vehicle is damaged by theft, hail, vandalism, theft, or a similar issue, then comprehensive can help pay to have your vehicle repaired or replaced – up to the actual cash value of your vehicle. Note that this type of insurance always has a deductible, which means you will have to pay that amount out of pocket before the insurer covers the claim.
As the name implies, collision coverage can help to repair or replace your vehicle if you are involved in a collision. This might be a collision with another vehicle, but it also covers you if you collide with a fence or other object. This is generally optional, but your lender might require it if you have not paid off your vehicle.
If you, someone who is a passenger in your car, or a family member who is driving the vehicle is injured, then medical payments coverage can help pay for the costs of x-rays, surgery, hospital visits, and other medical costs.
Also known as PIP, personal injury protection is not available in all states. It is similar to medical payments coverage in that it can cover medical costs after an accident. It can also help cover other injury-related costs, such as child care or lost wages.
No matter what type of coverage you have, it is important to know that if you are involved in an accident, it is worth calling a personal injury attorney if someone else was at fault. You can reach out to The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 if you would like to request a free legal consultation.
