A Guide To Complete Coverage With Your Auto Insurance
All fifty states in America have requirements concerning auto insurance coverage for every vehicle that is driven, but the requirements will vary from one state to the next on the minimum amount of vehicle insurance coverage that is needed. This can lead to many consumers wondering just how much and what types of auto insurance they should have. This can be a critical issue, because if you do not have adequate vehicle insurance which protects you then you could end up with large debts in many states if an accident occurs.
The minimum required amount of auto insurance generally does not protect you completely. If you live in a no fault state, there are limits and restrictions on when, why, and how much you can be sued for by the other driver after an accident. If you do not live in a no fault state then the only limits are the ones the state law sets for all lawsuits usually. In no fault car insurance states, you recover damages from your own vehicle insurance provider except for the mini tort, which normally only covers the amount of your deductible. In all other states you recover your damages from the auto insurance company for the at fault driver.
Liability only vehicle insurance, called PLPD auto insurance at times, only covers damage done to property and vehicles not owned by you. This type of car insurance will cover any damage you do or injuries you cause to others, but it does not cover any damage done to your vehicle or property. This can mean your vehicle is a complete loss and you are just out of luck unless you are willing to go to court and prove the other driver was at fault. In the no fault states this is not an option, and you will not receive payment for your vehicle.
Collision and comprehensive car insurance are considered components of full coverage auto insurance, and these types of vehicle insurance coverage generally do cover damage to your vehicle or property, depending on the cause of the damage. Collision coverage is auto insurance that covers the repair costs of a collision between your vehicle and something else, usually another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage covers weather damage and other types of damage that are acts of god, basically. The exception to this is hitting an animal with your vehicle, such as a deer or large dog. This claim would go under your comprehensive auto insurance coverage, even though you technically had a collision with the animal.
When you purchase an auto insurance policy, several things should be considered. The value of your car and the coverage types you want are main considerations, so that you get the right types of vehicle insurance coverage which will give you the protection you need under every situation. Having liability only car insurance can end up costing you a lot of money and hassles in the end. Discuss your specific needs and circumstances with your auto insurance agent, so that you have the right coverage amounts and types for your individual situation. |
