What kind of car accident insurance do I need?

Protecting yourself from the potentially devastating effects of an automobile accident requires a great deal of due diligence. First, you must learn to drive safely and take the proper precautions to avoid a crash. Even the best drivers sometimes find themselves involved in accidents, however. As a result, it is also crucial to go one step further and take steps to ensure that you have the right insurance coverage in place in the event that an accident does happen.

Two Major Types of Car Insurance

Generally, there are two major types of car accident insurance available. The following is an overview:

1. Liability. Liability insurance pays the other driver for property damage and personal injuries when you are at fault for an accident. If you are not the at-fault driver, the other driver’s liability insurance pays for your car’s damage and for your personal injuries. When both drivers are partially responsible for the accident, each party may collect part of his or her losses from the other party’s policy, depending on the amount of damages and on how much each party is at fault. Liability insurance can also protect you when you allow someone else to drive your car and that person is involved in a car accident.
2. Collision. Collision insurance is different from liability insurance in that no matter who is at fault, the insurance pays for damages to your car, less the policy deductible amount. It does not, however, pay for your medical expenses.

It is important to note that liability insurance and collision insurance are not the only types of insurance that may benefit you in the event of a crash. For example, if you have health insurance, that policy may pay your medical expenses.

If you were involved in an accident, it is important to seek assistance from an attorney even if you have insurance coverage. An experienced legal professional can help protect your legal rights and ensure that you obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your losses. To learn more, we encourage you to contact us at 800-989-6385 to schedule a free consultation.