3 Helpful Tips to Improve Your Auto Insurance Policy

Posted By Nadine Diaz

When it comes to car insurance, most people are concerned about getting fair premiums, but making sure you have the appropriate coverage to protect you in different situations after a car accident is usually secondary when it should be a priority. Getting the right coverage should be the number-one goal when shopping for car insurance or reviewing your policy. There are basic coverages you are required to have by law, and there are crucial additions you must consider in order to have reliable protection.

In Florida, the law requires drivers to have coverage for Bodily Injury (BI) and Property Damage (PD), and PIP coverage. BI will cover injuries caused by the negligent driver to the victims, and Property Damage will cover the repairs to their vehicle. PIP coverage will pay for medical treatment up to $10,000 for the owner of the policy regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Other than those three requirements, the law does not require drivers to buy additional coverage. Nevertheless, there are other crucial protections you could add to your car insurance policy.

How to Improve Your Car Insurance Policy

1. UM/UIM Uninsured Motorist/Under Insured Motorist Coverage: This coverage will protect you if you are the victim of a negligent driver that does not have insurance or does not have sufficient insurance to cover all of the medical treatment you will need after an accident. Keep in mind, you can only buy as much UM coverage as the amount you have as BI coverage. For a more detailed explanation of this type of coverage, bring your policy to our office for a free review.
2. Comprehensive/Collision Coverage: This coverage will ensure your vehicle gets repaired even if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or if there is a dispute regarding the liability in the accident. While the insurance companies are performing their investigation, your car is getting repaired regardless of who is at fault simply by having Comprehensive Collision Coverage in your policy. However, keep in mind there are deductibles that apply to this coverage. To learn more about Comprehensive/Collision and to help you select appropriate coverages, bring your policy to our office and we will review it for free.
3. Minimum of $25,000 as Property Damage Coverage: Car prices have gone up lately and, unless we are dealing with an older car, $10,000 (which is the minimum PD coverage available for purchase), you will not be able to cover the damages of the other person’s car if you are at fault in a car accident. Therefore, you should consider increasing the Property Damage coverage in your policy to $25,000 minimum. Another reason to increase this coverage is the possibility of a multiple collision where more than two cars are damaged. You must have sufficient coverage to pay for the repairs of all the vehicles involved to avoid them going after you personally. Incrementing your PD coverage from $10,000 to $25,000, or even higher, is a smart way to protect yourself in the event of an accident.

Remember, we are always here for you to give you legal advice, to represent you, and to protect your rights. We specialize in personal injury cases such as car accidents, slip and falls, wrongful death, dog bite, premises liability claims, and more. If you or someone you know is in need of our services, we will honored to help. Call our office at (813) 774-3341 for a free consultation.