Car accidents happen in an instant. One minute you’re cruising along the roadway headed towards your destination, and the next minute you’re reeling in the shock that comes from an unexpected collision. Some accidents are relatively minor and only require a few simple repairs to the vehicles involved, but other accidents are much more severe. Depending on the severity of the collision, involved parties could total their vehicles, face steep medical bills and months of recovery time, and possibly even death.
When auto accidents occur, car insurance is your main source of financial protection. Ideally, your car insurance should cover the financial requirements that result from your collision (after you pay your deductible, of course) so that you don’t have to reach into your own pockets. However, the unfortunate fact is that car insurance companies are notorious for withholding compensation whenever possible. For this reason, it’s imperative that you find good quality coverage from a trusted provider. Our auto accident attorneys in mid-Missouri are here to help.
Questions To Ask Your Car Insurance Provider
How can you be sure that you’re signing up for quality coverage from a provider you can trust? Seeking word-of-mouth referrals from people in your area can be enormously beneficial, but it’s important to interview your prospective provider to ensure that you are confident in their services. Here are a few questions to ask to help you determine whether or not they will provide the quality coverage you need (and that you’re not paying more for it than necessary).
1. Do I Have Adequate Liability Coverage?
Every state has a required minimum liability coverage, but this minimum requirement is often not enough to cover all of the costs associated with an accident. Your provider should be able to recommend the right amount of liability coverage for your situation.
2. What Happens To My Car In A Collision?
What many people fail to realize is that liability coverage only pays for the repairs to other vehicles – not their own. In order to ensure that you won’t be responsible for covering the cost of repairs for your own vehicle, you will want to be sure you have adequate collision coverage as well as liability coverage.
3. Do I Have Adequate Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?
The driver who is at fault in the accident (and their insurance provider, if applicable) should be held responsible for covering the cost of repairs to your vehicle and possibly your medical expenses as well. However, it can be difficult to seek compensation if the other driver does not have adequate insurance – or impossible if the identity of the responsible driver is unknown. In these instances, you may be able to get compensation from your own insurance provider under your uninsured/underinsured motorist policy. You’ll want to be confident your coverage in this policy is enough to cover any future expenses.
4. What Drivers Does My Policy Cover?
Different insurance companies handle their policies differently. Some companies may offer coverage for your vehicle no matter who is driving, whereas others may only offer coverage if you, your spouse, or other appointed drivers are behind the wheel. Find out how your provider handles this issue to determine whether or not it will be a good fit for your lifestyle. While you’re on the topic, don’t forget to ask whether or not you will be covered if you are driving a friend’s car or a rental car.
5. Am I Getting All Eligible Discounts?
Many car insurance providers offer discounts for select customers. Good student discounts, for example, are applied when one of the insured drivers is enrolled as a student and earning good grades. Multi-line discounts (discounts applied when individuals insure several items – multiple cars, their homes, etc through the same company) are also common. Before signing your contract with your new insurance provider, inquire about the discounts they offer and ensure you are receiving all the ones for which you qualify.
Deputy & Mizell, LLC Can Represent Your Car Accident Case
Securing proper insurance coverage to protect you in the event of an accident is important, but it is only the first step. No matter what type of auto accident you were in or how it happened, it is important that you understand your rights and options under the law. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident, you may still have a claim for partial compensation for your losses. When you hire our firm, our car accident attorneys at the Lake of the Ozarks work diligently to secure the maximum level of compensation available in your case.
Visit our website to learn more about our legal services in Camden, Miller, Laclede, and Pulaski County in Missouri.
Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC
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