Do You Have the Right Car Insurance Coverage?
Having the right car insurance coverage is key if you're involved in an accident.
Drivers in California need to know what type of car insurance coverage they need to protect themselves in the event of an accident.
Whether you're a daily commuter or a Sunday driver, having appropriate insurance coverage is necessary to protect yourself and your family while you're traveling the roadways. If you're purchasing insurance for the first time or you haven't reviewed your coverage in a while, the following offers a brief but detailed guide to the most important types of insurance you need to have.
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is designed to protect you in the event that you cause injury to another person as the result of a car accident. In the state of California, the minimum coverage amount is $15,000/$30,000 and drivers are required to have at least this much liability insurance in order to driver. This amount also covers at least $5,000 in property damages to the other party's vehicle.
Full Coverage Insurance
Full coverage insurance offers you protection against damages caused to someone else and damages you incur as the result of a car accident. In California, this means having liability insurance with a minimum of $100,000 / $300,000 per accident and collision coverage for damages to your car. Collision coverage provides you with money to repair your vehicle or to cover its cost if it's deemed a total loss. This applies even if you're hit by someone who doesn't have any car insurance.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
California law requires drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage of at least $100,000. This coverage is called “uninsured motorist” or “uninsured motorist / underinsured motorist” coverage (UM / UIM). Having this type of coverage enables the insurance company to pay you for your damages even if you're injured or incur property damage because of an uninsured or underinsured driver. Having this type of coverage is key to ensure that you and your family are protected in the event of a car accident that is caused by the actions of another driver. If you or a loved one is injured by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you need to contact a car accident attorney in California to discuss your legal rights.
Medical Coverage
Medical coverage is not a requirement but drivers are strongly encouraged to include this type of coverage in their car insurance policy. This type of coverage covers the cost of your medical bills in the event of an accident and can be used in conjunction with an existing health care policy.
While there is no surefire way to prevent a car accident, taking steps to protect yourself can minimize the damage caused to you or your loved ones. Staying safe should be your top priority and having the right type and amount of car insurance can ensure that you remain financially sound should an accident occur. Should you or a loved be injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, you should consider consulting an experienced California car accident lawyer to determine whether you're eligible to file a personal injury claim.
Nadrich & Cohen, LLP specializes in representing car accident victims and their families throughout California. We have office locations in numerous cities throughout the state, including Los Angeles, Bakersfield and San Bernardino. For more information on filing a car accident injury claim, call 1-800-718-4658.
