I want to know if there is some form of accident insurance coverage for injuries and property damage aside from what my auto insurance provides.

Ana

Paradise, NV

Yes, there is. Many individuals are not aware that there is another way of getting insurance coverage for property damage and injury following a car accident. I am referring to homeowner’s insurance, which may also cover for damages sustained in an accident. For instance, if you have purchased a comprehensive health coverage plan, most likely it would also apply to medical coverage at the time of an automobile accident. Many people just do not realize that they already have this coverage because they are pinned to the fact that they have to get a “car insurance” when they buy a car. It’s like parallel thinking; a notion that if you have a “car,” a “car insurance” must come along with it – without even realizing that the same insurance coverage will be available to them from another accident insurance coverage when needed. Your comprehensive health insurance will cover for injury at the time of an event. Thus, the PIP (Personal Injury Protection) offered by your auto insurance company is really no longer required (unless, of course, mandated by state laws) You have to recognize your other carrier or insurance provider, so you do not have to purchase any unnecessary coverage. This should help save your money and time by not having to pay for coverage you already have.

I just recently moved to California. What automobile accident insurance does this state have for its motorists?

Jonathan

San Diego, CA

The foremost accident insurance that California has for all its resident motorists is liability insurance. As the name implies, this type of automobile accident insurance covers the medical and hospitalization costs of the other motorist hit by the insured. This will also cover repairs for the damage done to the other motorist’s automobile. The smallest medical expense this accident insurance covers for one occupant (the driver) in the automobile is fifteen thousand dollars. For more than one occupant, a total of thirty thousand dollars worth of combined medical expenses is the minimum. Property damages including those sustained by the automobile can be covered for at least five thousand dollars. These amounts are actually the minimum liability coverage that a California driver must purchase. Anything less will mean that the driver is underinsured.

In an automobile accident, the insured driver’s vehicle will naturally also sustain damages. The accident insurance that covers this is called collision and comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage is not required by the state of California, but it is still highly recommended. One big advantage is that this type of insurance covers more than simple car crashes. Accidents caused by animal collision and bad weather are included. The automobile can also be insured against theft under collision and comprehensive. Necessary repairs can also be done and the insurance will foot the bill. It all just depends on how high or low the purchased limits are and what deductibles have been set between the policyholder and the auto insurance company.

Even though no one would like to be in a car accident, we can never tell what happens so it’s better that you know what to do. Anyways, in case I get into one here in Texas, how can I file my car accident insurance claim?

Janice

El Paso, TX

Car accident is one of the primary reasons why people get injured. A small number of people endure minor injuries but about half of that experienced grave injuries, permanent disability and some even meet their demise. Being in a car accident is a hurtful encounter because apart from the physical pain and suffering, you would also bear emotional distress, loss wages and property damage. These things mean you have to be financially compensated and you could file a claim for car accident insurance against the one who caused the accident or from your insurance company.

If you get involved in a car accident in Texas, you could demand for compensation for all the damages that have been endured. You could seek help from an attorney experienced in handling car accident insurance. After filing a claim for accident insurance against the at-fault driver, you could also file a claim against your insurance company. When filing a claim for car accident insurance, consider the following things:

–Get a copy of the police report
–Be familiar with the security your auto insurance would give you
–Sign a medical discharge so that a duplicate of the medical record would be shown to the insurance company
–File a claim for bodily injuries under medical payments coverage
–Get at least two auto repair estimates in case your vehicle is declared a total loss
–Show estimates and let them take pictures of your vehicle
–Show the invoices for storage and towing cause
–Request your car insurance agent to help make plans for a provisional alternative car in case you have rental reimbursement coverage
–Inform your car insurance agent for any damages that have been noticed in the course of the repair

My daughter and her boyfriend got into an accident. My daughter borrowed my car for a trip just outside of Florida where we live at the start of the year. The accident wasn’t their fault. That’s pretty clear at this point, but both of them are in hospital as I write. I’m sure my daughter is covered by my accident insurance, but will her boyfriend be, as well?

Jessica

Miami, FL

PIP coverage is required in Florida, so I assume you have this coverage. It stands for Personal Injury Protection, or some people call it no-fault auto insurance because basically one is entitled to it whether or not he or she was at fault. If you listed your daughter as one of the drivers of your vehicle, then it goes without saying that your auto insurance company will cover her hospital bills and her physician’s fees. Her boyfriend may be covered, too, because PIP typically covers the policyholders, family members residing in the same household, and the passengers at the time of the accident. However, accident insurance has limits. Only up to $10,000 dollars may be reimbursed for medical expenses under a PIP coverage. PIP only covers the amount which the auto insurance company deems reasonable. Unnecessary procedures or those which are very expensive might not be paid for in full. There are health care providers pre-approved by your auto insurance company. They’re worth checking out because they will charge you what the auto insurance company already agreed to reimburse. Also only 80% of the medical costs will be covered by the auto insurance company; Twenty percent of them will be shouldered by you as copayment. Anyway, I hope the kids recover soon, Jessica.