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Most people don’t read the fine print of their auto insurance policies — until it’s too late as a car accident lawyer knows all too well. If you were seriously injured in a car accident tomorrow, would your policy be enough to cover your medical bills and lost wages? For many drivers, the answer is no.
The Dangers Of Minimum Coverage
Certain states have laws that require very little in terms of insurance: just $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and no requirement for bodily injury liability. That sounds affordable, but it’s rarely enough after a serious accident.
Real risks: Hospital bills can reach tens of thousands in just days. If you only carry the minimum, you could be left paying out of pocket.
Minimum coverage also won’t compensate others if you cause an accident that results in serious injuries as our friends at Mickey Keenan P.A. can explain. That means you could be sued personally for damages that exceed your policy limits, putting your income and assets at risk.
Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This optional coverage protects you if you’re hit by someone who has no insurance or not enough. Unfortunately, many drivers skip it to save a few dollars on premiums. However, if you end up in an accident, you’ll find skipping the higher premium causes more problems.
Why it matters: If an uninsured driver causes your accident, and you don’t have this coverage, your only option might be to sue them personally — which is often a dead end. Most people who drive without insurance do so because they cannot afford it, and they likely don’t have assets you can collect against.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage steps in to fill that gap, providing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering. In serious accidents, it can make the difference between a full recovery and financial disaster.
Hidden Loopholes In Auto Insurance Policies
Even if you think you’re covered, fine print exclusions could surprise you. Some policies limit payouts for out-of-network care or certain injury types. Others exclude coverage when the driver is using a vehicle for business or rideshare work. Before signing insurance paperwork, you should be sure to read the fine print so that you understand it.
What to look for:
- Coverage caps that don’t keep pace with rising medical costs
- Excluded driver clauses, especially for household members
- Restrictions on rental car coverage or roadside assistance
What you can do: Review your declarations page regularly. Ask your insurance agent to explain your coverage in plain language. And if something doesn’t sound right, consider getting a second opinion — even from a personal injury attorney. Lawyers are always more than happy to help you understand documents
Insurance should protect you — not leave you hanging. If you’re unsure whether your current policy is enough, let a lawyer near you review it with you. They will help you understand where you’re covered and where you’re at risk. Being proactive now can save you heartache later. Contact an attorney near you today for more information.
