The vast majority of car crash claims are resolved through an insurance settlement and not a lawsuit. Even if a case goes to trial, it will likely be against the insurance company. Either way, the terms of the policy and the coverage limits are critical factors in the value of a claim.
Do you know what your car insurance policy says? Do you know how much coverage you bought and when the different types of coverage may apply?
These are important questions, but many drivers may not know all that many details about their policies. Unfortunately, this could lead to making uninformed decisions about their claim. Insurance companies know drivers are often unfamiliar with what is in their policy, and they use this to their advantage. Their goal is to pay out the least possible amount of compensation.
What Comes Standard in an Arizona Auto Insurance Policy?
Our state requires drivers to have a minimum amount of coverage:
- $25,000 of bodily injury liability to pay the medical bills of the victim of an accident you cause
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability for two or more people injured in an accident you cause
- $15,000 to cover damage to the other driver’s vehicle from an accident you caused
- $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident ”“ this pays for your damages from an accident with an uninsured driver
- $25,000 in underinsured motorist coverage per person and $50,000 per accident ”“ this pays for your damages from an accident with a driver whose insurance limits were less than the full value of your damages
Uninsured and underinsured coverage can be rejected in writing, otherwise, they will automatically be included in your policy.
The purpose of the required liability coverage is to ensure victims of accidents you cause can get a minimum amount of compensation for their damages. Many people do not have the ability to pay thousands of dollars in medical expenses, either for themselves or someone else.
Many drivers purchase more than the minimum coverage, which means you may not be limited to just $25,000 to cover medical bills if you were injured because of another driver or the other driver lacked insurance.
Additional Coverage
While the coverages above are the minimum required by law, many people finance their vehicles. When you do that, the bank will probably require you to purchase additional coverages to protect the investment of giving you a loan.
For example, the financing company may require you to buy collision and/or comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from an accident. Remember, property damage liability pays for damage to the other driver’s vehicle, not yours.
Comprehensive coverage pays compensation to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged by weather, vandalism or other factors not related to an accident. Comprehensive coverage also pays out if your car was stolen.
You can always request a copy of your car insurance policy from your insurance company. You can also ask them questions about the coverages you have and when they may apply.
How Much Coverage Should I Purchase?
This is an individual decision based on what you can afford. The more coverage you have, the less likely you will be on the hook for any of the other driver’s damages that exceed your coverage limits.
Many drivers obtain $100,000 in liability coverage per person and $300,000 per accident. It would take a very serious accident to cause damages that exceed those limits. However, you might not be able to afford to pay your insurance premiums with such high coverage limits.
You can talk to your insurance company to find out how much it would add to your monthly premiums to increase your coverage.
Your Insurance Policy After an Accident
You should not take the insurance company’s word for it about what is in your policy, particularly what your policy covers. While some claims go relatively smoothly, others can be more complicated. That is when it can be very important to meet with an experienced Phoenix auto accident attorney. He or she can go over your policy and the policy of the other driver to determine the coverage available and the limits of that coverage.
Insurance companies rely on accident victims’ ignorance to try to take advantage of them. They are looking for any way to deny your claim or pay you much less compensation than what may be available.
Even if you were partially at fault for an accident, you may still be eligible to receive compensation. Insurance companies like to say things are not covered because they hope victims will not challenge them.
Considering a Car Crash Claim? Call for Assistance
Phillips Law Group has an established record of success representing auto accident victims. We have obtained millions in compensation on behalf of car crash victims over more than 28 years serving injury victims in Phoenix and the state of Arizona.
If you have any questions about your claim, do not hesitate to give us a call and schedule a free consultation. This is a chance for us to determine if you have a valid case and discuss how we may be able to assist you.
There are no upfront fees and no fees while we work on your case. We do not get paid unless you do.
Phillips Law Group. Licensed lawyers with proven experience. 602-222-2222
Available 24/7