UNDERSTANDING YOUR AUTO INSURANCE COVERAGE

Auto insurance can be complicated. After reading your policy, you may be left wondering what is covered and what is not. Each individual policy is different.

Accident liability insurance is mandatory in the state of Georgia. Liability provisions will cover your legal liability for bodily injury and property damage in a wreck if you are at fault. If you are sued, the insurance company will pay a lawyer to defend you. Georgia requires a minimum liability coverage for each accident in which you are at fault: $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident, $50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more persons in any one accident, and $25,000 for injury to or destruction of property of others in an accident. Many drivers prefer to carry more coverage than the minimum limits. Greater coverage protects more personal assets.

Uninsured/under-insured motorist (often called UM) coverage is offered in Georgia and adds more protection to your policy. UM covers you in an accident when the person at fault has little or no insurance. UM would cover what the “at fault” driver’s insurance would normally cover if they had insurance, including medical bills and property damage. UM limits are set by the premium you choose.

Medical Payments (often called Med-Pay) is an additional coverage that applies to the medical care provided to you as a result of an accident. There may be a time and limit restriction depending on your coverage. Collision coverage will pay for the car repairs if your car collides with another vehicle or object. Typically, you pay a deductible before the collision coverage applies. Comprehensive coverage pays for car repairs if your car is damaged by an event other than a collision, such as fire, theft, flood, or vandalism. A deductible applies to this coverage as well.

It is important to know what your auto insurance covers as well as what it does not. Contact your agent with any questions you may have. Keep an up-to-date insurance card in your car for easy access.

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney who will make sure you get what you deserve. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, Brooks Law Office has 35 years of trial experience ready to go to work for you.