Why It’s Smart To Have Full Coverage Auto Insurance In Texas
Comprehending the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing between liability and full coverage car insurance is essential for selecting the best plan for your needs. Although liability-only policies usually have lower premiums, their coverage range is restricted. Full coverage insurance generally offers comprehensive and collision protection, covering a broader array of situations, such as damage to the policyholder’s vehicle.
Liability coverage safeguards you from expenses related to damages caused by another driver in an accident. This includes medical costs and repair bills for their property. In essence, this covers solely the other driver’s damages and not your own. A full coverage policy consists of liability insurance as well as comprehensive and collision coverage, which handles damages to your vehicle beyond collisions, like theft or vandalism. Due to the extensive protection, full coverage comes at a higher price than liability-only. Liability coverage is a minimum requirement in all states, whereas no state mandates a full coverage policy.
What Sets Liability and Full Coverage Apart?
Full coverage refers to multiple insurance types bundled into a single policy designed to safeguard both you and your vehicle. Liability insurance comprises only one component of a comprehensive insurance policy.
Liability insurance is the aspect of your policy that covers injuries and damages you inflict in an accident where you are at fault. If you collide with another vehicle and they require repairs or medical care, your liability coverage will handle those expenses.
Liability insurance does not account for any damage sustained by your own vehicle or any personal medical costs resulting from an accident, regardless of who was responsible for the damage. You can purchase additional coverages that offer further protection for you and your vehicle, such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, or med pay; however, these are generally not included in your liability coverage.
Will full coverage insurance take care of at-fault accidents?
Indeed, full coverage insurance takes responsibility for at-fault accidents. For instance, if you strike another vehicle on the road or collide with a guardrail, your collision coverage will compensate for the damages sustained by your vehicle, while your liability coverage will handle the expenses incurred due to the accident.
Nevertheless, there are situations in which full coverage insurance may not cover damages from an at-fault accident. This occurs when the insurance company or the legal system deems that the incident was deliberately orchestrated by you. In such cases, where you intentionally cause harm to someone or something with your car, the damages incurred will not be insured.
Is it necessary to have full coverage on a car that’s fully paid off?
While it might be alluring to opt for a liability-only policy as soon as you’ve finished paying off your car loan, it is important to have full coverage on any vehicle that would be financially strenuous to replace out-of-pocket if completely destroyed. If your car’s value is high enough that replacing it would cause financial strain, maintaining full coverage is probably the better choice.
There are certain scenarios in which transitioning to a liability-only policy makes sense:
Lowered usage: If your car has been fully paid off and it’s seldom used, opting for liability-only coverage could be an effective way to cut expenses without significantly increasing risk.
Decreased value: If your car’s worth isn’t much and you can afford its replacement in case of an accident, switching to liability-only coverage might be more suitable.
However, remember that discontinuing full coverage doesn’t only imply forfeiting coverage in at-fault accidents. It also means losing protection for any damage incurred by your own vehicle. Consequently, if you find yourself dealing with events like a vehicular fire or theft, you’ll have to bear the replacement cost without support from your insurance company.
Is Full Coverage Worthwhile?
Full coverage typically encompasses collision and comprehensive coverage and might also feature rental reimbursement and emergency roadside assistance. If your car holds significant value, full coverage can protect your finances in the event of a severe accident, even if the vehicle is paid off. Opting for only the minimum amount of liability insurance mandated by your state may save you money initially, but it might lead to greater expenses if multiple vehicles are damaged in an accident for which you are responsible.
Minimum liability coverage, designed to cover damages and accidents you cause, is merely a basic level of protection. However, on a positive note, you can enhance this coverage and better secure everything that holds importance to you. Let’s look into why full coverage car insurance is a wise choice even if your car is fully paid off.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A CAR, TRUCK, OR MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT US 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.
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