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Posts Tagged ‘Bodily Injury Liability’

Auto Insurance 101 Explained

February 9th, 2010 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Auto insurance can be confusing for most consumers; there are so many different types of insurance and it can be difficult to determine the type of coverage you?re required to carry versus the types of coverage that you really should carry in order to protect yourself but that are not required.

When considering how much car insurance you should have, it is best to do some research and find out what type of insurance is required by the state in which you reside. Not all states require the same levels of insurance. Some states require more types of coverage than others and states also vary in terms of the amount of coverage that is required. So, be sure you know exactly what the minimums are in the state where you live.

You should also understand what is covered by the different types of insurance in order to understand whether you need insurance coverage above and beyond the minimum required by your state of residence.

Bodily injury liability covers injuries that you cause to someone else while driving your vehicle. Generally the rule of thumb for this type of coverage is to purchase more than is required by your state minimums in order to protect your private assets from a law suit in the event that you injure someone.

Medical payments or personal injury protection, commonly known as PIP covers the treatment of injuries for the driver and the passengers of the vehicle. Depending on the level of coverage, this type of policy will compensate lost wages as well as medical payments.

Collision covers any damage that occurs to your vehicle in the event of an accident, even if it is your fault. Of course, a deductible will apply. Your lender will generally require this type of coverage while you still owe on the vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage is for the loss of your vehicle due to damage by something other than a collision such as theft, fire, natural disaster, vandalism, etc. Again, your lender will probably require this coverage for a financed vehicle. Once your loan is paid off, it?s up to you whether you want to continue carrying comprehensive and collision coverage.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can come in handy in the event that you are either involved in a hit and run or if you are hit by someone who does not have insurance or who is underinsured.

When considering how much insurance to take out, start with the amount that is required at a minimum by your state and then consider whether you?re required to take out any additional coverage due to lender requirements. Remember that while we all hope we won?t have a need for insurance, in the event that we do, it can be a financial lifesaver.

Finally, don?t forget to consider your options regarding deductibles. Raising your deductible can help you lower your premiums and that can make taking out additional insurance coverage more affordable. Just be sure you can reasonably afford the deductible in the event you need to use it.

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Cheap Car Insurance In New Jersey

January 13th, 2010 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Thanks to the Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act, New Jersey drivers are able to buy a basic car insurance policy in New Jersey ? and what?s cheaper than purchasing the most basic car insurance policy available?

The Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act makes it possible for drivers to get cheap car insurance in New Jersey by offering them a policy even cheaper than the standard car insurance policy. The basic car insurance policy includes personal injury protection of %15,000 per person, per accident, and %250,000 per significant or permanent injury. However, the latter depends on the policy definitions. It also includes property damage liability of %5,000 per accident.

Bodily injury liability isn?t included in the basic insurance policy, but it?s an option. If a policyholder chooses to add bodily injury liability, the policyholder will have %10,000 for everyone, per accident.

Uninsured motorist and underinsured motorist coverage aren?t available with the basic car insurance policy, nor is collision coverage or comprehensive coverage. However, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage can be added on, depending upon how the basic car insurance policy was issued.

As you can see, the basic car insurance policy in New Jersey, although it?s the cheapest car insurance in New Jersey, offers very minimal coverage; however, it does offer important coverage, as well as additional features. Those drivers with the basic car insurance policy in New Jersey have the right to take legal action in the event of a motor vehicle-related accident, whereas those drivers without any insurance don?t have that right.

The basic car insurance policy isn?t for everyone. Those drivers who choose to obtain cheap car insurance in New Jersey by purchasing the basic car insurance policy should do so only if they don?t have much family responsibility, they are just starting out in the work force, it is the first car insurance policy they?ve ever purchase, or they can?t afford any other car insurance for whatever reason.

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When Car Insurance Is Your Friend

December 30th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Sadly, even today, people tend to be rather callous when the question of car insurance comes up. Many give the excuse that since they are good drivers they will not need insurance at all. However, road traffic is not what it used to be and you can never predict what is going to happen on the road even if you follow all the driving rules.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CAR INSURANCE

Why do you need a car insurance policy? It offers you coverage in the event of losses arising from traffic accidents. As an example, just look at the following. Let us say that your car was hit by a falling tree and got totally smashed. If you had taken out a car insurance policy, the loss would be written off by your insurance company. If this were to happen, you would be better advised to go in for a new car instead of trying to repair the old one.

COVERAGE OFFERED BY CAR INSURANCE

- Property Damage Liability Coverage: This policy type pays for accidental damage to someone else’s property (for example, their home fence,) in a collision. The insurance can help people pay off the legal fees in case they have to deal with a lawsuit for property damage.

- Bodily Injury Liability: If a third person is injured, this coverage takes care of it. It covers lawsuit expenses as well.

- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This policy type covers for medical expenses, lost wages and other similar expenses arising in an accident, wherein there is no serious bodily injury.

- Comprehensive Coverage: This policy type covers for damages caused by theft, flood, and fire and so on. This coverage is very important as it covers non-collision related damages.

- Collision Coverage: This policy type offers coverage for damages happening as result of a collision or in situations where your car strikes another car or is struck by another vehicle.

- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage – This policy type pays for expenses that happen as a result of an accident in which the driver of the other car has insufficient insurance coverage.

- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: This policy type pays for expenses that happen as a result of an accident in which the driver of the other car has no insurance coverage causes an accident with your car.

- Underinsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage: This policy type is applicable in case of an accident in which the driver of the other car has insufficient insurance coverage. If the other car requires repairs, your policy will help you take care of that as well.

When getting a car insurance policy, check out the different types offered. Look out for car insurance that will cover you for a wide variety of things. You can buy several policies together. Look around for the best rates being offered in car insurance. There is no dearth of great car insurance deals if you look around sincerely enough.

It would be a great idea to check with friends and family to find out which deals are worth looking at and which companies offer the best bargains. After all, you are looking at an option that will work out in the long run. Look at the bigger picture when you choose a car insurance policy.

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Low Cost Car Insurance – Where To Cut Costs

December 20th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Car Insurance can be simplified once you begin to understand the declarations page. The declarations page is issued every time your car policy renews. The information on your renewal declarations page will give you all you need to know about how your policy is rated. The actual policy is very complicated because it is written in legal language. The declarations page is a synopsis of your protection and is divided into sections.

Section I ? Liability ? This section indicates the bodily injury and property damage liability limits. This section of coverage protects you in the event that you are found liable in an automobile accident. Most car insurance policies have split limits. 100/300/50 is a common split limit. The first two limits are the bodily injury limits. The 100,000 refers to the amount per person bodily injury liability limit and 300,000 is the amount per accident limit. The third limit is the property damage liability limit of 50,000.

Tort Option ? Some states have a tort option. Full tort gives you an expanded right to sue for pain and suffering. Limited Tort limits that right and also reduces your overall premium.

Section II ? Physical Damage – This section is all about the physical damage to your automobiles. It is divided into two basic benefits. Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in an automobile accident. Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle for theft, hitting an animal, glass coverage, fire, and several other miscellaneous occurrences.

Section III ? First Part Benefits ? This section applies to the first party insured and all resident relatives. This can vary from state to state. Medical expense, income loss, and life insurance are examples of first party benefits.

Cost Savings ? Your greatest risk for financial loss is when you are liable in a car accident and so it is not wise to carry low limits for liability. Higher deductibles for collision and comprehensive are an excellent way to reduce costs. Make sure that your home policy is with the same company in order to qualify for the multiple policy discounts. The limited tort option can save you up to 20%PRCTG%. The tort discount is only available in some states.

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What To Look For In A Full Coverage Automobile Insurance Quote In Florida

December 5th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Compared to most other states, Florida actually requires very little from its residents when it comes to the automobile insurance they are required to purchase if they wish to drive a vehicle on a public roadway in Florida.

If you have a good driving record you can legally drive your automobile in Florida if you purchase just %10,000 of Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage and another %10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) coverage. If your driving record includes a crash or if you have gotten speeding or other tickets the state is allowed to force you to also buy Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance before you can legally drive.

What does this minimum insurance cover? Not much, really.

Personal Injury Protection ? PIP coverage ? covers medical expenses for anyone in your vehicle if you are in a crash regardless of whose fault the accident is. If you’ve been to a doctor or spent even one night in a hospital or made even one visit to the ER in the past year then you know that %10,000 in insurance coverage will barely cover the cost of a scratch to someone’s upper arm, let alone anything even remotely serious.

Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance covers the repair or replacement of the other person’s car and certain other property due to a crash, regardless of whose fault the accident is.

Again, %10,000 will barely cover the replacement of a bumper on many of today’s high-priced cars.

Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance covers the medical expenses of anyone in the other car if you are in an accident. This insurance also pays for certain legal expenses if you are sued following an accident. Considering today’s medical costs you may wish to consider carrying as much BIL insurance as you can afford, especially if you have a home or other assets which you could lose in the event of a lawsuit.

If you want your automobile to be repaired or replaced in the event of an accident you need to purchase two additional insurance policies ? a comprehensive policy as well as a collision policy.

As the name implies, collision insurance protects your vehicle in the event of a collision with another moving vehicle or with a stationary object, such as a tree or a light post or a guardrail. If your vehicle’s engine is running and your vehicle is moving when an accident occurs, then your collision policy will cover the cost to repair your automobile up to the limits of the policy or up to the Kelly Blue Book value of your automobile.

Comprehensive insurance covers repair or replacement of your vehicle if it is damaged by an “Act of God” ? such as a tree branch crashing down on it during a storm ? or if it is damaged by vandalism. Your comprehensive insurance also covers you if you hit a deer or other animal which causes damage to your vehicle.

So in Florida what you want to look for in a full coverage automobile insurance quote is:

? Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance
? Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance
? Bodily Injury Liability (BIL) insurance
? Collision Insurance
? Comprehensive Insurance

Now you know exactly what to look for in a full coverage automobile insurance quote in Florida. The amount of each type of insurance that you choose to carry should be based on your personal assessment of the risks that you face each day, the cost of the insurance and the assets which you wish to protect.

Getting the best deal on full coverage automobile insurance in Florida is a matter of determining what you want in a policy and then comparing the price for that policy among all of the insurance companies in Florida. The best way to do that is through the multitude of automobile insurance comparison websites on the internet.

Just remember that since no one comparison website makes comparisons between all of the automobile insurance companies operating in Florida you really need to spend the extra time to make your comparisons on at least 3 different websites.

Once you’ve done that then basically all that’s left is to choose the best price that you find. Happy hunting!

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Making Sense Of Those Car Insurance Policies And Terms

November 14th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

When it comes time to get auto insurance for your car, you will be faced with a number of decisions about the various types of available insurance. Basically, there are six different parts of an insurance policy. Some of them are mandatory when you purchase car insurance, and some may be optional. Here is a brief explanation of the different types.

Collision Insurance

This is the part that allows your car to be paid for when you get in an accident. If you were to hit another vehicle, have another vehicle hit your car, or you hit another object (such as a tree), then the damage to your vehicle is covered. It also will cover your vehicle in the event of a rollover, too. There are some exceptions, such as stunts and racing, which will void your being covered during those events.

Comprehensive Insurance

This coverage will protect your car in those events that are not listed under Collision Insurance. This means that if your car were caught in a fire, flood, is vandalized, stolen, or damaged by falling objects, then it would be covered. For older cars, you probably should just drop this part of your policy.

Medical Payments

This part of your policy provides medical coverage for any bodily injuries to you or your passengers while you are driving. It also covers people who drive your car with your permission, or you and passengers when you are driving someone else’s car. Funerals are covered, too, in the event of any deaths that may occur. It may also be called Personal Injury Protection in some states.

Bodily Injury Liability

Whenever you get sued because of a bodily injury or a death, then this part of the policy covers you. There are a number of exceptions under this part of the policy as to who may not be covered and under what circumstances. It would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with them – or the liability for a lawsuit may fall on your responsibility unnecessarily.

Property Damage Liability

Any property that becomes damaged as a result of your driving, or if your vehicle is driven by someone that you gave authorization to, it is covered under this part of the car insurance policy. This part is usually written together with the Bodily Injury Liability.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

This is for that other guy who did not bother to buy car insurance. With more than 25%PRCTG% of motorists being uninsured in some states, you definitely need this. It will also cover you in the event of a hit and run driver. It is not available in all states.

Each of these sections of your policy can be adjusted by you in order to lower your car insurance rates if necessary. Ask your insurance agent what the recommended limits (legal) amounts are, and go from there upwards. You should seek to have these minimums – and more, if possible. You can also reduce your insurance costs by raising your deductible amount to %500 or %1,000.

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Does Your Car Insurance Cover Everything Important

November 6th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

It is important that you do take good care of your car. After all, possibly like most people, it would be one of the most expensive investments you might ever have spent on. To protect you and your car as well for any other excess expenses due to accidents or other untoward incidents, vehicle insurance could do just the trick. However, keep in mind that to actually purchase insurance for your car would also mean that you would have to spend a considerable amount.

Vehicle insurance, or car insurance or auto insurance or whatever term you may want to call it, is mainly used to provide protection against losses that could be incurred as a result of being part of traffic accidents. You see, accidents could lead to huge damages which equate to huge expenses as well. Vehicle insurance covers that so that you would not have to shell out any more money. In fact, there are even some insurance companies whose coverage includes you, your car, and even other parties included in the accident.

Of course, you should try choosing the right kind of auto insurance for your car. Remember that the wider and the greater the range of coverage also means that you would have to spend more. If you have a limited amount of finances, you can try to simply ask around and inquire about auto insurance quotes. Also inquire about the areas covered. Try to find out also if you have the option to include or not to include certain areas.

Bodily injury liability insurance covers the other party?s medical bills if you actually hurt someone in an accident that was purely your fault. If you have property damage liability as part of your auto insurance, you would not have to worry much if you drive your car into another car or into a streetlight or bus stop.

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The Secret To Getting Really Cheap Car Insurance In New York

October 23rd, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

New York State is a no-fault state in terms of car insurance coverage. Simply put, this means your car insurance policy will cover you, and the other guy?s car insurance policy will cover him, regardless of who was at fault for the damages.

You can purchase New York?s minimum car insurance requirements just the same as you would in any other state in America; however, New York?s minimum car insurance coverage requirements are a bit more in-depth as far as coverage goes, and pricier as far as costs go.

The minimum car insurance coverage in New York is as follows:

%10,000: Property damage liability
%50,000: Basic, no-fault coverage

Bodily injury liability: For injury, %25,000 per person and %50,000 per accident. For death, %50,000 per person, and %100,000 per accident.

Uninsured motorist?s coverage: For injury, %25,000 per person and %50,000 per accident. For death, %50,000 per person, and %100,000 per accident.

Of course, if you don?t own your car out-right, i.e., you borrowed money from a lender to help pay for it, you may have to purchase more car insurance than the minimum.

Despite the high costs of the minimum car insurance requirements, it is possible to get cheap car insurance in New York. Shop around with a few NY car insurance companies (remember, drivers in New York must purchase car insurance from a company licensed to do business in New York) and ask about what kinds of discounts they offer. Some discounts are pretty standard, such as those for good students and multi-line policies; other discounts may be unique to that particular car insurance company.

You may also make changes on your own to your car. Make sure it is up-to-date with safety features such as anti-theft alarm systems and reinforced window. Child-proof locks aren?t only safe, but impressive to car insurance companies. And instead of leaving your car in the side of the street, store it in a garage.

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What Are the Different Types of Auto Insurance

October 15th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

There are a number of different types of auto insurance that are available to drivers. In the United States, auto insurance is mandatory and not a choice. However, drivers can enjoy a number of varying insurance offerings in order to allow them the flexibility in cost and coverage that they are looking for from their insurance company. Not all insurance companies offer the varying types of coverage, so it is very important for you to check with your company to learn the limitations of what they have to offer you.

Liability coverage from an auto insurance company will cover the damage that occurs to other drivers as a result of your actions. There are a few different levels to liability coverage. First, bodily injury liability will cover the cost of another person’s medical costs or death if they are hurt in an accident that is found to be your fault. If a person in an accident files a case against you as a result of the accident, liability coverage can provide you with some legal defense. You will want your liability coverage to ensure that if a claim is brought against you, you have enough insurance to cover a judgment without involving your own personal finances or assets.

Property damage liability covers the cost of repair or replacement when you damage someone else’s property in an accident if the accident is proven to be your fault. Insurance collectively referred to as comprehensive and collision coverage will cover the cost of repair or replacement of your vehicle in the event of an accident. In some cases, the coverage will also cover the cost of another vehicle if you are not driving your own when the accident occurs.

Comprehensive insurance coverage can also cover the cost of your vehicle if your car is stolen, damaged by animals, a fire or flooding. Specific coverage is limited to the terms and conditions set forth in your insurance policy; as such, individuals need to check with their insurance company for details in their policy.

Underinsured motorist property damage covers the cost of repairs when the negligent party possesses insurance, but the limitations of which would not be enough to repair the damage caused. Underinsured motorist bodily damage covers the medical costs for you, members of your household and passengers in your car when the insurance of the negligent driver does not cover the entirety of the amount needed. Uninsured property damage protects the vehicle of a person who gets into an accident with a negligent driver who does not have insurance.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury protects insurance policy holders, members or their household and passengers in their vehicle from medical costs or the costs of death. This policy will be relevant in the event that an no-fault driver does not have insurance. Only twelve states within the United States offer no-fault insurance, where insurance coverage is covered on the part of the policy holder regardless of whose fault the accident may be. This means that your vehicle or bodily damage will be covered by your own insurance, whether you are the negligent driver or not.

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The Ins And Outs Of Auto Insurance

September 26th, 2009 Car Insurance Buyer No comments

Bodily Injury Liability, Collision, Comprehensive, Property Injury Liability. Do you know what these terms mean? If you are currently paying for any type of auto insurance, then these are some terms you should know to maximize the benefits of your plan(s).

Bodily Injury Liability. If you were at fault in an accident and others involved needed to go to the hospital and/or lost wages from missing work, those costs would come out of your pocket if you are not insured with Bodily Injury Liability. Anyone will soon realize how quickly those amounts can add up to. Many states require you to carry Bodily Injury Liability. This type of coverage can also help you in the event the other party takes legal action against you.

Collision Coverage. In the event you need repairs or replacements if your vehicle collides with another vehicle or property, you?ll need this. The higher the deductible you elect, the lower your premiums will cost you. If you?re at fault for something, well of course it would still be an accident, as I doubt you?d plan to run into that guard rail, but how much would you be able to afford to pay out of pocket for repairs? Don?t forget to check if this coverage is available in your plan!

Comprehensive Coverage. This is the coverage that pays for damage caused from falling objects, fire, certain natural disasters, theft and vandalism.

Property Injury Liability. Can you imagine how much it might cost should you accidentally drive into someone?s house? You wouldn?t want to be caught without property damage insurance should you need to pay for repairs to another vehicle, building or anything else you might hit. As they say, you can never be too sure what you may run into while driving!

With these different types of liability coverage, you?ll quickly discover that unfortunate accidents soon become less dreadful then they seem. For example, imagine if you crashed into the rear-end of another driver. Your liability coverage will kick in and pay for the damages that you caused with your insured vehicle. Imagine having to pay those damage costs yourself out of pocket!

It?s important that you understand the basics of what you are paying for and why it is necessary. By knowing these technical terms, you can make sure your auto insurance coverage is as complete and reliable as possible.

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