Understanding Insurance Coverages

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily Injury Liability coverage helps pay for injuries you cause to other people in an accident where you are at fault. This coverage is typically required by law in most states.

What it covers:

• Medical expenses for injured parties
• Lost wages of injured individuals
• Pain and suffering claims
• Legal defense costs if you are sued
• Court costs and settlements

Coverage limits: Bodily Injury Liability is usually expressed as two numbers (e.g., 100/300), representing the maximum amount per person and per accident that your policy will pay.

Property Damage Liability

Property Damage Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to someone else's property in an accident where you are at fault.

What it covers:

• Damage to other vehicles
• Damage to buildings, fences, or structures
• Damage to landscaping or personal property
• Legal defense costs related to property damage claims

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your own vehicle when you collide with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.

What it covers:

• Damage from hitting another vehicle
• Damage from hitting a stationary object (tree, pole, building)
• Single-vehicle accidents (rolling over)
• Hit-and-run damage to your vehicle

Note: You will typically need to pay a deductible before this coverage kicks in.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from causes other than collision. This is sometimes called "Other Than Collision" coverage.

What it covers:

• Theft of your vehicle
• Vandalism
• Weather damage (hail, flood, wind)
• Fire damage
• Hitting an animal
• Falling objects (tree branches, debris)
• Glass damage (windshield, windows)

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This coverage helps protect you if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance to cover your injuries or damages.

What it covers:

• Your medical expenses if hit by an uninsured driver
• Lost wages due to injuries
• Damage to your vehicle (in some states)
• Hit-and-run accidents

Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)

Medical Payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

What it covers:

• Hospital bills
• Doctor visits
• Surgery and X-rays
• Dental work from injuries
• Funeral expenses (in some cases)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection is similar to MedPay but provides broader coverage. It is required in "no-fault" insurance states.

What it covers:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Replacement services (childcare, housekeeping)
• Funeral expenses
• Survivor benefits

Roadside Assistance / Towing

This coverage helps pay for emergency roadside services when your vehicle breaks down or you need assistance.

What it covers:

• Towing to a repair shop
• Flat tire changes
• Battery jump starts
• Lockout service
• Fuel delivery
• Winching service

Rental Car Reimbursement

This coverage helps pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.

What it covers:

• Daily rental car costs up to policy limits
• Alternative transportation if rental is unavailable