Which Car Insurance Coverage Do You Need For Your Medical Damages?
Car insurance isn't just for paying for repairs if your car gets damaged. Depending on the coverage you have, your car insurance may also cater cover your medical bills. After all, millions of people get injured in car crashes every year. Here are some of the forms of coverage you need if you want your car insurance to compensate you for your bodily injuries:
Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is only available in no-fault states. It may be a required or optional coverage depending on your jurisdiction. PIP coverage pays for your injuries regardless of fault; this means it will pay your medical bills even if you were responsible for the accident that caused your injuries.
Even if PIP is not required in your area, it is wise to have it so that you can use it to pay for injuries when your health insurance is inadequate or unavailable. PIP also pays for other damages, such as lost wages and babysitter services for an injured parent. Talk to your insurance agent today to see if you need PIP coverage.
Medical Payments Coverage
Medical payments (MedPay) coverage is structured like PIP in that it also pays for your injuries regardless of fault. The major difference is that MedPay is meant only meant for health-related damages (including funeral expenses); you can't use it for other damages such as lost wages. Therefore, if health is the only thing you are worried about, you may be better off with MedPay than PIP coverage. Evaluate your health insurance, the cost of MedPay, and the coverage limits to help you determine whether you need it.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
It is unfortunate that some motorists either lack insurance or carry inadequate coverage. According to some statistics, about 13% of motorists are uninsured. This means they may not have insurance to pay for your injuries if they cause an accident that results in your injuries. Fortunately, your insurer understands this anomaly and provides uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This is what you fall back on if you are injured in an accident caused by another person with inadequate coverage. This coverage caters for both bodily injury and property (car) damage, but the latter is not very popular.
An insurance agent like those at James Madison Insurance is the best professional to help you evaluate your insurance needs. Communicate what you want your coverage to pay for you so that the agent can help you customize a suitable coverage.
Share