Does the term “Full Coverage” truly mean you’re fully covered?
Bodily Injury Liability pays the medical bills you might cause to others: The MOST IMPORTANT part of the auto policy! It’s usually expressed in split limits (i.e. 100/300) or in a combined single limit (i.e. 300). Common values are 25/50, 50/100, 100/300, 250/500, 500/500 and 1000/1000. The numbers represent the insurance protection (in thousands) you have against injury costs you may inflict upon another if you were at fault for an accident. Split limits represent total per person / total per accident values while a combined single limit represents the total coverage per accident regardless of persons. The difference in premium between levels is minor which is why you’ll always hear us recommend 250/500 or 500/500 as a baseline coverage limit for all our clients.
Property Damage Liability pays to repair damages you might cause to others’ property: This number represents the insurance protection (in thousands) you have against property damage costs you may inflict upon another if you were at fault for an accident. This might be to another’s vehicle or structure.
Medical Payments pays the medical bills you might cause to your passengers: This number represents the insurance protection you have against injury costs inflicted upon passengers in your vehicle if you were at fault for an accident. Costs exceeding this limit might thereafter be claimed under ones Bodily Injury Liability coverage.
Uninsured and Under Insured Motorist pays for medical bills others might cause to you and your passengers: The SECOND MOST IMPORTANT part of the auto policy. With nearly 25% of Tennessee drivers operating with state minimum coverage or less (USA Today) this coverage represents the insurance protection (in thousands) you have against injury costs you and your passengers may incur if a motorist without insurance were to cause the accident you were involved in. Again, split limits represent total per person / total per accident values while a combined single limit represents the total coverage per accident regardless of persons. The difference in premium between levels is minor which is why again, you’ll always hear us recommend 250/500 or 500/500 as a baseline coverage limit for all our clients.
Uninsured and Under Insured Motorist Property Damage pays to repair damages others might cause to your auto: This number represent the insurance protection (in thousands) you have against property damage costs to your vehicle if one of the 25% uninsured were to cause the accident you were involved in. This coverage need not be greater than the highest actual cash value of any one of your vehicles on your policy.
Collision Coverage repairs your vehicle damage: Usually associated with a deductible out of pocket cost and covers repairs to your vehicle if you are at fault for the accident. Damages are often the result of collision with another vehicle, building or other object.
Other than Collision (aka – Comprehensive) repairs your vehicle damage: Again, usually associated with a deductible out of pocket cost and covers repairs to your vehicle when not directly your fault. Damages are often the result of weather, fire, flood, theft, animals or possibly a road hazard like gravel.
Towing & Labor (aka – Roadside Asst): Helps cover costs incurred during your vehicle’s emergency breakdown and/or accident.
Rental Reimbursement: Provides cost for a rental car in the event your vehicle goes in for repairs required following a Collision or Other Than Collision claim.