Buying the minimum auto insurance policy is not enough to protect you. We’ve seen too many car accidents where the injured victims realize too late that their policy does not provide enough coverage. Let’s take a closer look at what you should be looking for in a car insurance policy. There are two key types of must-have auto insurance coverage to be fully protected in an accident.
- Insist on full tort coverage.
Auto insurance can be “full tort” or “limited tort,” referring to how much it allows you to sue a negligent driver.
Full tort coverage gets you the unlimited right to sue for pain and suffering. This is important because most insurance policies will only pay for your economic damages such as medical bills and lost income. If you wish to be compensated for your significant non-economic loss – such as pain and suffering – you may need to file a lawsuit.
Limited tort can restrict your right to be fully compensated. It bars you from suing the at-fault party for your pain and suffering. An exception to this is if your injury qualifies as “serious” – but you would have to reach a high threshold for this, akin to traumatic brain injury, paralysis, blindness, or amputation. You could have a severe burn or a surgically-corrected fracture and still not reach the “serious injury” threshold for pain and suffering compensation.
A limited tort policy may seem preferable at first glance because the premium is a little lower, but if an accident does occur and you need maximum compensation, full tort coverage comes out as the wiser option.
- Insist on Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM).
This coverage protects you even if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or not enough insurance to fully compensate you. Though this coverage is not required in Pennsylvania, it is a good idea to arm yourself with this because many drivers in the state still get on the road without adequate insurance. In addition, UIM coverage can kick in if you are hurt in a hit-and-run crash.
These two types of must-have coverage work together to give you complete protection. Many people believe they are fully covered in the event of an accident, when in fact, they are not.
If it’s time to purchase an auto insurance policy or renew your current one, contact Attorney Todd Johns with any questions about your coverage. With over 20 years of experience in auto accident cases, Todd can help you secure the right insurance to fully protect you and your family. Call Todd Johns Law at (570) 876-6903 today.