Everything You Need To Know About Car Insurance Coverage

, ,
Dallas Personal Injury Attorney Brian Brunson is DBest

When you’re in the market for a new car or looking for auto insurance, it’s important to know the different kinds of coverage that come with a car insurance policy. These various types of coverage are designed to safeguard you, your passengers, and your vehicle in the event of a car accident. In different locations, certain types of insurance coverage are required while others are not. Knowing what is necessary in Texas and what each type of coverage includes can assist you in selecting the best option for your needs.

Most Frequently Purchased Forms of Coverage

When you’re buying a new car or looking for insurance, it’s crucial to know the different types of coverage available to you. Some insurance options are designed to safeguard you, your passengers, and your vehicle, while others offer protection in case you accidentally injure someone or damage their property. Here are the five most common types of coverage you can consider.

Comprehensive. Many individuals opt to buy both comprehensive and collision insurance, yet these two types of coverage serve different purposes. For starters, comprehensive insurance does not protect against damages from accidents. Instead, it provides coverage for damages caused by events like natural disasters, including hail, earthquakes, fires, and floods. Additionally, if your vehicle is stolen, vandalized, or harmed due to an encounter with animals, comprehensive insurance will take care of those damages.

Collision. Collision coverage protects your car from damage that occurs while you’re driving. If you accidentally collide with another vehicle or a fixed object, this type of insurance will help pay for the repairs to your own car. For instance, if your car rolls over and you need to fix the windshield, collision coverage would take care of that expense. It’s important to note that this coverage does not extend to any damage you may have caused to other people’s property. While collision coverage isn’t required by law in every state, your lender will likely insist on it if you still owe money on your car loan.

Liability. Liability coverage is designed to cover the costs of repairing the other driver’s vehicle if you are at fault in an accident. It also takes care of medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers, along with some additional costs. In Texas, the law mandates that you must have a minimum of $30,000 in coverage for injuries per individual, with a maximum of $60,000 for each accident, and $25,000 for property damage. This type of coverage is referred to as 30/60/25 coverage.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage provides financial support if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either lacks insurance or doesn’t have sufficient coverage to cover your medical expenses and vehicle repairs. This type of coverage also applies in cases of hit-and-run incidents. Insurance providers are required to present this option to you, and if you choose to decline it, you need to inform the company in writing.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is quite like medical payments coverage, as it covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. However, PIP goes a step further by also covering lost wages and other expenses that aren’t related to medical care. In Texas, every auto insurance policy comes with PIP coverage automatically. If you prefer not to have it, you need to inform the insurance company in writing.

Optional Forms of Coverage Most Insurance Companies Offer

MedPay. Medical payments coverage helps cover the medical expenses for you and your passengers. It also provides assistance if you get injured while riding in another person’s vehicle or while walking or biking.

Vehicle Rental. Rental reimbursement coverage helps cover the cost of renting a car if yours is either stolen or in the shop for repairs after an accident. Additionally, some insurance policies may also reimburse you for ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Towing. Towing and labor coverage helps cover the costs of towing your vehicle if it’s not drivable. Additionally, it includes payment for services like changing a flat tire or jump-starting your battery.

Things That Impact Your Insurance Premium

  • The kind of car you drive.
  • The annual mileage you drive.
  • Your driving history and the purpose of using your vehicle.
  • Your place of residence.
  • Your age group.
  • Your gender.
  • Your credit history.
  • Your relationship status.
  • The types of coverage and deductibles you select.
  • Your past insurance coverage and the number of claims you’ve made.

IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.

/by