In almost all cases, you will be underinsured if you only purchase the minimum amount of auto coverage required by your State. The rising cost of cars and the rise in medical costs means that the minimum auto coverage required by your state will expose you financially if you are ever involved in an automobile accident.
These days, the average cost of a car accident often exceeds the state-recognized insurance limits. If you are found to be legally responsible for the vehicle, medical treatment and other liabilities resulting from an auto accident, you will have to pay the cost that your insurance company won’t cover. These costs can leave many people broke or with significant financial burdens that will have a major impact on their lifestyle and daily lives for many years. When deciding on the amount of vehicle insurance you need, make sure you are adequately protected from any costs that you might be held liable for in an accident.
A licensed representative can help you determine the right amount of auto insurance coverage to protect your financial security. To protect yourself against financial expenses, you may need to purchase higher liability limits. An umbrella policy is another option that you might consider, especially if you have substantial assets. This will provide you with surplus liability protection. An umbrella policy covers liability expenses beyond the scope of your regular insurance coverage. It also allows for a higher maximum limit. You may also be eligible for a discount if you purchase your homeowner’s and automobile policies from one company.
If you own a newer vehicle, buying collision and comprehensive insurance can be a wise decision. It may not be financially prudent to choose collision or comprehensive for an older vehicle. In order to determine whether collision or comprehensive coverage is best for you, you should know how much your car will replace.
If you don’t purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, your sole liability is that you will be responsible for any repair or replacement costs to your car. You can pay all these expenses if you have the funds or the premiums to cover them, so there’s no reason to add collision and comprehensive coverage.
Your insurance company will determine the collision and comprehensive premiums based on the cost of repairs and the vehicle’s market value. Remember that your auto will be considered totaled if it costs more to repair than its market value. You will only be paid for the actual cost of repairs by your insurance company. If your car’s market value is low, you should not have collision or comprehensive coverage.
You can also reduce your auto insurance costs by determining your deductible limits. Your deductible is the amount you have to pay before your vehicle insurer pays your claim. Car insurance deductibles can be set at $500 or $1,000. A higher deductible can help lower the cost of your car insurance. It makes sense to pay the higher deductible if you are able to afford it.
In conclusion, you need to make sure that your vehicle insurance covers all liabilities and expenses. If you are found responsible for a vehicle accident, you want to avoid financial ruin in the long-term. If this happens, your car insurance coverage will protect you. Make sure you have enough car insurance to cover this.