Despite taking the proper precautions or following traffic safety principles, accidents still occur. Just in Georgia alone, according to the Department of Transportation, in 2021, 387,444 crashes were recorded, in which 154,280 people were injured.
Since you’re always at risk of an accident, even if you drive cautiously, it is important to have the right insurance policy to be compensated for if you’re in a collision. However, most drivers don’t know well or are unsure of the type of insurance coverage they need.
In this blog article, the team here at The Nick Schnyder Law Firm will explain the importance of having the right car insurance policy and how the right coverage can help your chances to get maximum compensation in case you’re involved in an accident.
Types of car insurance
Before you buy car insurance, you must know the several types of policies available, each with different levels of coverage. These are the different types of insurance policies you need to know so you can have adequate protection:
- Liability Insurance: This is one of the most common insurance policies. In most states, it’s mandatory to have this coverage. Liability insurance covers damages and injuries caused to others in accidents for which you were responsible. It also includes medical expenses, property damage, and legal claims from the accident.
However, liability insurance does not cover damage done to your vehicle or personal injuries that you or your passengers may have; but includes coverage for any lawsuits that arise.
- Property Damage Coverage: This insurance policy covers damages to your vehicle caused by an accident, whether or not you were the responsible driver. Although it does not cover personal injuries or damages to third-party property, it may offer coverage in other events, such as thefts or vandalism.
- Personal Injury Protection Car Insurance: Also known as no-fault insurance, covers expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, or funeral costs to you or your passengers, regardless if you were responsible for causing an accident.
Keep in mind, some policies are mandatory by state law, while others are optional. We strongly recommend having an insurance policy that has full coverage to be protected in case you get involved in an accident.
Tips you need to follow to choose the right insurance policy
Before you decide on buying a car insurance policy, it is important to be aware of the risks that may arise when driving, including what you need to legally protect yourself in the event of an accident.
As experienced auto accident attorneys, we’ve seen insurance companies reject victims’ claims because the type of insurance policy they have doesn’t protect them. That is why we provide you these tips to choose a policy that protects you from not getting your compensation:
- Make sure you have the minimum insurance coverage required by your state. Despite the importance of complying with your state’s legal regulations, some of these policies won’t provide you full coverage if you’re in an accident. But it’s an important first step.
- Take the time to research and compare all the car insurance policies that are available to you. Not all insurance companies offer the same coverage and rates; we recommend exploring all options before making a decision.
- Consider your personal and financial situation. Suppose you are a young driver or have a history of being in car accidents. In that case, you may need to consider policies that have additional coverage to protect yourself from any issues that may arise. Also, find the right option that’s within your budget.
- If you’re not sure what insurance policy to get, look for reviews or get advice from a car accident attorney. For example, we can help you understand what different insurance options are available to you and let you know if they protect you if you get into an accident.
- Try to include personal injury coverage to cover any medical expenses related to injuries that either you or your passengers have sustained in your vehicle in the event of an accident. Also, try to have your policy include uninsured motorist coverage.
As you can tell, having the right insurance coverage makes the difference when fighting for your compensation. Accidents happen all the time and some are out of our control. What we can control is having legal protection that covers any damages and expenses.
If you ever get involved in a car accident in Georgia where you weren’t at fault, don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. Our auto accident attorneys aren’t afraid to fight for your compensation and will go the distance to win your case.
