One of the most often heard complaints of an insured to their insurance adjuster is "What do you mean it's not covered? I have full coverage." This is very true in most cases, the insured person does have full coverage on their automobile policy. Below are the differences between having full coverage and a few endorsements that will pay off in the long run if you are injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Full Coverage
The term thrown around by most people alludes to the scenario that if you are involved in an automobile accident everything will be covered. This is not the case, full coverage simply means that you have both liability coverage (mandatory in most states) this will cover the other person's damaged automobile and injuries if you are responsible and then there is collision coverage, which will cover your damaged automobile should you be involved in an accident. Sometimes rental coverage is also included in the term "full coverage" - not always though.
Personal Injury Coverage
There are two endorsements which can be added to an automobile policy in order to have injuries covered. These are both useful coverages to have even if you are not at fault for a motor vehicle accident. Below are the two coverages along with their description and benefits.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection Coverage
This will cover up to your chosen amount. You will choose this amount when you purchase this coverage. The amounts start at $500 and increase as high as $100,000. This coverage is per person, per accident. An important thing to consider when choosing this amount is that the money is for your medical bills only. It will not be given directly to you if you are injured and have this coverage. Once the benefit exhausts for the said accident, there are no additional funds left for your medical bills. If you are not at fault for an accident, you often need to use this coverage primarily before going to the responsible party's insurance. They will then reimburse your insurance carrier.
Underinsured or Uninsured Bodily Injury Coverage
This coverage is somewhat self explanatory. If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident which is not your fault and the other person has no inurance coverage, or inadequate coverage, this will cover your injuries above and beyond your Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection coverage. This coverage covers bills, pain and suffering and lost wages.
Always Talk to an Attorney
These coverages are important to have, if you have specific questions about your coverage after an auto accident contact your agent or a qualified attorney.
