It is confusing and people often don’t understand the different types of auto insurance coverages and what they do. A lot pf times people think they have “full coverage,” and do not. There is really no such thing.
Liability – or damage/injury to others is what is required by law.
Comprehensive/Collision – This covers damage to your vehicle. There is usually a deductible. This is not required by law in AZ, although your lender may require it if you have a loan.
Rental Coverage – Covers a rental when you are in a collision. This is also an optional coverage.
Roadside Assistance – Is an optional coverage that covers towing when your car breaks down.
Med Pay – is a coverage that automatically pays your medical bills when you are in an accident up to the limits. If a collision caused by someone else it can help to put more money in your pocket.
UM/UIM – Uninsured (UM) is coverage for Bodily Injury caused by a driver without insurance or even a hit and run driver. Underinsured (UIM) covers your Bodily Injury claim when the other driver does not have enough insurance and stacks on top of the other guy’s insurance. Both are “no-fault” coverages and your insurance company can not by law raise your rates for these claims.
For both coverages, the coverage “steps into the shoes” of the other person’s insurance so you really need a lawyer to get the best results when you have one of these claims. Your insurance carrier will have all of the same arguments that the other driver’s insurance and having an attorney will maximize your in pocket recover in these situations just as much as when the other has high insurance limits.
An estimated 11.8% of drivers nationally do not have liability insurance. While this is higher/lower in different areas, that is a significant likelihood of getting hit by someone without insurance! The minimum limits required by law in AZ is 25/50, which means $25,000.00 per person and $50,000.00 for multiple claimants. While this may seem like a lot, often that is not even enough for the hospital bill, and this coverage also includes general damages, wage loss, pain and suffering, other treatment after the hospital, ambulance, etc. UM/UIM is also not very expensive. As a 20+ year car accident lawyer, I recommend that you get UM/UIM coverage! I am happy to go over your coverages with you.
If you are injured in a car accident or by the negligence of another, do not go at it alone! The insurance company has teams of adjusters and lawyers employed to pay you less! Whether you have a UM or UIM claim or not, if you are injured by the negligence of another, call me! I offer no cost or obligation consultation and work on contingency fee where you pay me nothing unless I recover money for you!
