Everyone who drives in the US needs to carry auto insurance. Auto insurance provides you protection against any loss that may cause a huge dent on your assets if you are not covered adequately. It is very important to understand the different state laws and the coverage options so that you can choose your coverage options. You should also review your insurance policy carefully periodically Auto Insurance policy definitions You can find the exact definition of the terms in this section of auto insurance policy. It also outlines the rights of both the insurer and the policyholder. This section is generally known as the fine print meaning the buyer of auto insurance has to go through this section with utmost care.
Auto Insurance policy conditions In this section the legal responsibilities of the insurer and the insured are explained with the payment obligations, the guidelines to file a claim and procedures for the resolution of disagreements .
Auto Insurance policy coverage Parts/Insuring Agreement The coverage options and the limits for coverage are outlined here. In this section you can find what your insurance company promises to provide in exchange for you payment according to the limits you have chosen. It lists the coverage and the limits that you have chosen in your auto insurance coverage such as liability, collision, comprehensive or medical.
Auto Insurance policy exclusions
This section contains information on what is not covered in your policy. It also highlights the limitations of your policy. Going through this section you can make sure about what is covered and what is not in your policy to make a claim when the need arises. You can easily spot the deficiencies in the policy that can be set right subsequently.
Types of coverage
Liability insurance pays for the coverage of loss of others, arising out of the insured’s responsibility as required by law. The minimum limits for liability coverage varies from state to state. If you are at fault in an accident, liability insurance will compensate for the costs of injuries and property damage to others.
Bodily injury coverage covers medical expenses of others injured in an accident and includes loss of wages. Property damage cover pays for the repair costs of others’ vehicle and properties damaged by you in an accident.
Collision coverage pays for loss to your own vehicle due to collision with another vehicle or object. If you are responsible for the accident your own collision coverage ill pay for the damage to your vehicle. This is normally the most expensive part of an auto insurance policy. The insurance company and you should share the costs of this loss. So you should select a deductible which you must pay before the auto insurance company pays for the rest of the cost. Choosing a higher deductible helps in reducing your monthly premium rate. Choose the deductible carefully so you can meet it comfortably.
Comprehensive coverage pays for damages caused by reasons other than a collision such as a natural disaster, fire, animal hit or an object falling on your vehicle etc. You should choose a deductible that you choose which you will pay for repairs of your vehicle before the insurance company pays the remaining cost of repair bills.
Personal Injury Protection or PIP coverage covers medical costs, loss of income, essential services and hospital costs of the insured regardless of who caused the accident. Most states allow the drivers to sue the negligent party when the amount of damages is more than the threshold determined by the state.
Uninsured Motorists Bodily Injury (UMBI) pays for all costs allowed by the limits of your policy in an accident that involves an uninsured or hit-and-run motorist who is legally at fault.
Uninsured motorists’ property damage liability coverage (UMPD) offers coverage for costs of property damages caused by the uninsured driver in an accident.
Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury coverage pays of all costs to the limit allowed by your policy in an accident with a motorist who is underinsured. They carry inadequate insurance cover your damages. Your own policy will provide the compensation if you have this coverage included in your policy.
More coverage options auto insurance is available such as rental reimbursement, towing and labor charges when an accident happens causing varied losses.