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Will your car be covered if someone hits you under your liability insurance? Unfortunately, no. Liability insurance will cover any liability or responsibility you have for paying for damages relating to an accident. However, if someone hits you, their liability insurance should pay your losses and injuries up to their policy limits since your liability insurance covers the other person if you hit them. However, there are other insurance options available to ensure that you and your property are protected in any scenario. For example, having uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps to financially protect you from losses sustained if you are struck by someone who does not have auto insurance or proper coverage.
Nearly all states in the US require drivers to have car insurance. There are some types of mandatory insurance coverage that are required practically everywhere, such as liability coverage. However, the mandated insurance coverage types and quantities differ by state. If you cause an accident and are found to be at fault, your liability insurance will assist in paying for the other party’s medical bills and vehicle repairs. Additionally, the state of Missouri requires all drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage.
The cost of defending or settling legal actions taken against you due to an automobile accident is covered by a specific kind of auto insurance coverage called auto liability insurance. There are two different types of liability coverage.
● When you cause an accident and are at fault, your bodily injury liability insurance pays for the costs of the injuries you cause to other people. This can involve paying for ongoing medical expenses, emergency care, and even lost wages.
● When you cause an accident and are found to be at fault, property damage liability insurance pays for any damage to the property of third parties. Vehicle damage is the most obvious example, but other sorts of property also include buildings and fences.
Liability insurance is intended to assist you in paying for the property damage and medical costs incurred by the other driver and passengers if you cause an accident. That is why the majority of states demand it. Liability insurance is a technique to help ensure that the at-fault motorist or other impacted parties don’t have to pay out a lot of cash and that the injured party receives at least some compensation for damage or injury sustained in an accident you caused.
While the majority of expenses connected to your involvement in an accident are covered by auto liability insurance, some expenses are not. For instance, liability insurance does not cover damage brought on by willful activities. In addition, other expenses vary depending on the insurance type.
Although each claim is different, the following categories are often covered by bodily injury insurance:
● Expenses for urgent medical care, including ambulance and hospital visits
● Ongoing medical costs, including prescriptions and rehabilitation visits
● Lost wages
● Pain and suffering
● Funeral costs, in the event of a death.
Also, remember that liability insurance will only pay up to the limits of your policy. You might have to pay the difference out of pocket if the injured party’s medical costs exceed your insurance policy’s maximum bodily injury liability coverage.
Property damage liability insurance typically covers the following:
● Vehicle damage
● Damage to buildings, houses, or commercial properties
● Cost for the other party to rent a new vehicle while repairs are made
● Fences, mailboxes, and other buildings that have been damaged
● Lost commercial revenue
If you harm someone else’s property, your property damage liability insurance covers the cost. It is of no assistance when it comes to damage to your car or to a car owned by a relative who lives in the same residence. You’ll need collision insurance to help with vehicle repairs.
All of the costs above are covered up to your policy’s maximum. Therefore, even if you have liability insurance, any expenses that go over the amount of your policy could fall within your responsibility.
Although every individual has unique insurance needs, you can apply some general principles to help you decide how much coverage you might need. The more assets you hold, the more liability insurance you might need to cover costs that exceed your coverage limits. To find out how much insurance is necessary for your case, it is always a good idea to speak with a licensed insurance specialist. It is also important to know the minimum insurance required by your state to ensure that you are adequately covered.
Car insurance may appear unneeded to individuals on a tight budget, even though it is typically required. But just a few hundred dollars annually for at least the very minimum of coverage will spare you from more debt in the event you are involved in an accident and found to be at fault. For instance, the costs of being sued for damages if you crash your automobile into someone else’s property can be significantly higher than your insurance premium. Additionally, you risk having your license suspended and facing state penalties if you don’t have auto insurance. A lapse in coverage or cancellation of your insurance could potentially label you as a high-risk client, putting you at risk for future rate increases. To keep your costs down, it may be important to hunt for an economical insurer and any discounts rather than foregoing insurance.
Your net worth may also influence how much liability insurance you require. For example, you may wish to get extra liability insurance to protect your net worth and guard against having assets taken as a result of a judgment if you have many assets, such as a house, car, or substantial bank account, but little debt. Even an umbrella insurance policy can be something you think about for additional liability protection.
The other driver’s and passengers’ medical costs and property damage are covered by liability insurance. It does not, however, cover damage to your own vehicle. An auto insurance policy can be purchased with a variety of coverage options. However, only two of them include alternatives for liability coverage for bodily harm and property damage. You might also think about getting the following:
Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance pays for harm to your own car caused by weather-related incidents, fires, thefts, vandalism, or collisions with animals.
Collision insurance: This covers damage to your car brought on by collisions with other objects or moving traffic.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: UIM insurance pays for harm to your car or other property brought on by a driver with little or no insurance.
Roadside Assistance Insurance: This covers the costs in the event that your car breaks down and you require a tow.
Gap insurance: If a financed car is totaled or stolen before the loan is repaid, this insurance covers the remaining balance.
If another driver hits you, uninsured motorist car insurance might be helpful. Whether you choose to have Goldblatt + Singer, the St. Louis Injury Law Firm car accident attorney, represent you, our goal is to inform the St. Louis community on liability, fault, and insurance issues. We want you to know your options following an injury and the best ways to safeguard yourself going forward. Get in touch with us for a free case consultation and details on your legal options following a car accident. Call (314) 231-4100 today or contact us online.