Skimping on insurance can cost you in the long run

Unfortunately, when it comes to choosing auto insurance, there is no one option that works for everyone. This means that when it comes time to purchase a policy, it is a good idea to explore all of your available alternatives. Simply using price as your primary guideline could be a very bad mistake, as you may not get the kind of coverage that you really need. And the worst time to realize that your policy or the company you chose is lacking is after you file a claim.

There are a couple of important things you need to understand before you start to policy shop. First, a minimal basic car insurance package typically only covers bodily injury and property damage that you are responsible for. Under such a policy, you will likely have to pick up the tab for vehicle damages and medical expenses incurred in an accident you cause.

Another very important thing to keep in mind is that almost one in seven drivers does not carry insurance. And if you should be in an accident involving an uninsured driver, again, you will be paying the costs out-of-pocket. Now, you may be able to sue the uninsured driver. But it is quite likely that he or she couldn’t afford coverage, meaning you would be filing a lawsuit against someone who has little or no money.

So what should you do to best protect yourself? Well, first look at all of the types of coverage that is available and choose a policy that will cover your expenses even if you are responsible for an accident. And as for uninsured drivers, you can add coverage that provides compensation for the damages and medical expenses that their accidents produce.

But an uninsured driver claim can sometimes prove problematic. An insurance company may try to limit your payout by offering a quick settlement that has a lower level of compensation than what your coverage should provide. It is for this reason that it can be beneficial to have a personal injury attorney help with your claim. An experienced attorney who is familiar with policies and benefits can work in an effort to make sure you receive the compensation you are due.

Category:

• Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Accidents