Auto Insurance Law » Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Car Insurance in New Jersey – Know the Basics

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:02:23 +0000

Auto insurance is mandatory in New Jersey, but the type and cost of that coverage can vary considerably. Every day, consumers are finding that there are options available to make it easier to comply with the law. The New Jersey Automobile Insurance Cost Reduction Act mandated that a basic policy be available to all drivers.
It is essential to realize that you are breaking the law if you drive uninsured. The penalties for driving uninsured are getting more severe – in addition to risking economic loss by not having insurance protection, you risk fines, suspension of driver’s license or registration and even time in jail. In the future, your car could be impounded if you are caught behind the wheel without coverage.

The Basic Policy should be considered by those with few family responsibilities and few real assets. It can provide a transition for younger drivers who are just beginning work, providing a basic, minimum protection when they may be least able to afford more comprehensive coverage.

Let’s review the New Jersey auto insurance Basic Policy. The Basic Policy offers less protection, but at a lower cost than the Standard insurance policy.

Bodily Injury Liability

Coverage for claims and lawsuits by people injured as a result of an accident you cause. Coverage is not included but $10,000 coverage for all persons, per accident is available as an option.

Property Damage Liability

Coverage for claims and lawsuits by people whose property is damaged as a result of an accident you cause. Coverage of $5,000 per accident is provided.

Personal Injury Protection

Coverage for injuries sustained in an automobile accident by you or other persons covered under your policy. Coverage of $15,000 per person, per accident and up to $250,000 for permanent or significant injury is provided as defined in the policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of coverage would pay for property damage or bodily injury if you are in an accident caused by an uninsured motorist (a driver who does not have the minimum level of insurance required by law) or a driver who is insured, but who has less coverage than your underinsured motorist coverage. This is not included in the Basic Policy.

Collision

Coverage for damage to your vehicle as the result of a collision with another car or other object. This coverage is not included in the Basic Policy.

Comprehensive

Coverage for damage to your vehicle that is not a result of a collision, such as theft of your car, vandalism, flooding, fire or a broken windshield. Comprehensive coverage also pays if you collide with an animal. This also is not included in the Basic Policy.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are available as options on policies issued through PAIP (Personal Automobile Insurance Plan) or on voluntary policies issued by some insurance companies. This is very significant for anyone who has a vehicle loan or lease that requires such coverage.

Another affordable car insurance option in New Jersey is the Dollar a Day Auto Insurance Policy or theSpecial Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP). This is a new initiative to help make limited auto insurance coverage available to drivers who are eligible for Federal Medicaid with hospitalization. Such drivers can obtain a medical coverage-only policy at a cost of $365 a year.

People who are currently enrolled in federal Medicaid with hospitalization are eligible for the Dollar a Day policy. You are eligible if the Card Run Identifier on the upper left of your Medicaid ID card has an asterisk “*” after the code and “SAIP” is printed on the lower right of the card.

The SAIP policy can be obtained at most insurance agencies. There are two payment options: $360 if you pay up front or $365 in two installments.

The policy covers -emergency treatment immediately following an accident and treatment of serious brain and spinal cord injuries up to $250,000. It also provides a $10,000 death benefit. It does not cover -outpatient treatments such as doctors’ visits covered by Medicaid, damage you may cause to other persons or property, or damages to your own car.

The policy only covers those enrolled in Medicaid. If there is one car and several people in the household enrolled in Medicaid, they can all be covered by the same policy. However, there can only be one car per policy.

To apply for this policy, bring the driver’s licenses for all operators of the vehicle to be insured and the vehicle’s registration and your Medicaid identification card that shows that all persons to be covered under the policy are enrolled in Medicaid.

Remember for both of these types of New Jersey car insurance policies, if you do not have any liability coverage; you are responsible for paying for the personal hardships and some economic damages, such as lost wages, that you cause. The insurer will not provide or pay for a lawyer to represent you if you are sued. Your assets will be at risk, including the risk of having money deducted from your wages if a judgment is entered against you. And, if you lack coverage and someone hits you, you cannot sue.

By: Marie Wakefield

Florida Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:28:06 +0000

Florida state law requires all drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability Coverage; Property Damage Liability Coverage; and No-Fault Coverage.

In Florida the required minimum coverage for Bodily Injury Liability is:

• $10,000 per person injured in any one accident

• $20,000 for all persons injured in any one accident

The State of Florida also requires No-Fault Coverage which provides benefits (in a minimum amount) paid out regardless of fault. Per Florida statute drivers must purchase insurance which provides for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) with a limit of $10,000 per person for medical and disability expenses and $5,000 per person for death benefits. It should be noted that if monetary damages total less than the PIP monies issued, the policy holder will have no tort claim. A lawsuit may be brought, however, if the monetary damages are in excess of the PIP monies issued as well. A lawsuit may also be brought if there is any permanent injury; permanent loss of a vital body function; significant and permanent scarring and/or disfigurement; and death.

Consumers have the option of purchasing Uninsured Motorist Coverage which also includes Underinsured Motorist Coverage. If this choice is made, the UM must be in an equal amount to the Bodily Injury Liability Coverage unless a specific rejection has been made.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage

admin — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:06:02 +0000

There are many types of auto insurance coverage that may or may not be included on your current policy. It is always a good idea to be informed when making a purchase and auto insurance is no exception. One way to be informed is by being familiar with the different types of auto insurance coverage that are available to you and by knowing which would be necessary for you to have and which would just be a waste of money.

Liability Coverage

There are two main types of liability insurance- property damage and bodily injury. Property damage liability coverage will cover damages affecting the other driver’s vehicle in an accident when you are at fault. This will not pay for damages to your vehicle.

Bodily injury liability coverage covers the medical expenses resulting of the other driver and their passengers in an accident where you are at fault.

Both of these types of coverage are required in most states. However, the amount of coverage differs from state to state, so be sure to find out how much liability coverage is required in your state.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage covers damages affecting your car when you are in an accident. This will not be required by state law. However, it may be required by your lender if your car is being financed.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages up to a certain dollar amount, for things unrelated to an accident such as fire, vandalism, theft, etc. Like collision coverage, this is not required by state laws, but this type of auto insurance may be required by your lender if your car is still being paid off.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP covers expenses arising from injuries to you (the driver), your passengers, and pedestrians when in an accident.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage

This type of insurance coverage is designed for covering your expenses when you are in an accident and the driver who is at fault does not have the proper insurance.

By: Laura Caldwell

Texas Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:23:34 +0000

Texas state law requires all motor vehicle drivers to carry auto liability insurance in the form of Bodily Injury Coverage and Property Damage Coverage. As well, if the vehicle is still under lien, the lender will require that the policy holder also carry Collision and Comprehensive Coverage.

In Texas the required minimum coverage for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage is:

• $20,000 per person injured in any one accident

• $40,000 for all persons injured in any one accident

The required minimum coverage for Property Damage is $15,000 for injury to or destruction of the property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Bodily Injury UM/UIM will pay lost wages; medical bills; pain and suffering; disfigurement; and permanent or partial disability. There is no deductible. Property Damage UM/UIM will pay for damaged items in the accident vehicle, repairs and rental cars, however there is a $250 deductible. UM/UIM coverage must be offered by insurance companies. If the policy holder chooses not to purchase this coverage, he/she must put the rejection in writing.

Collision Coverage: Will pay for repair or replacement of the vehicle regardless of fault, however payment is limited to the cash value of the vehicle minus the deductible.

Comprehensive Coverage: Will pay for damage to the vehicle caused by other incidents besides collision, i.e., vandalism, storm damage, and theft.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Ohio Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 07:27:41 +0000

Ohio state law requires all motor vehicle drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability Coverage as well as Property Damage Coverage.

In Ohio the required minimum coverage for Bodily Injury Liability is $12,5000 per person injured in any one accident and $25,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for Property Damage is $7,500 for injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance available for purchase may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage as well as Underinsured Motorist Coverage. A mandatory offer of this type of coverage is not required by the State of Ohio. As well, Ohio has no laws which regulate the amount of coverage to be purchased.

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Ohio law requires all drivers to carry Bodily Injury Liability Coverage; Property Damage Liability Coverage; Tort Option Coverage; and Medical Expense/Burial Coverage.

In Ohio the required minimum coverage for Bodily Injury Liability is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per occurrence.

The required minimum coverage for Property Damage Liability varies. Consumers should consult with their insurance representatives.

Tort Option Coverage in Ohio – Full vs. Limited: Used to determine the policy holder’s ability initiate a lawsuit for pain and suffering involved in a car accident.

The Ohio also requires $5,000 worth of coverage for Medical Expense Benefits.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Understanding Automobile Insurance Laws

admin — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 02:57:36 +0000

The no-fault potion of your coverage pertains to bodily injuries, which means that in the event of an accident, each party is responsible for their own medical bills and other costs related to the injuries sustained in the accident. As a result, your abilities to sue the other party for damages are limited.

Automobile insurance laws also require all drivers to carry Property Damage Liability and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.

Property damage liability covers the damage you cause to another person’s property. You must carry a minimum of $10,000 in coverage.

PIP covers your injury-related expenses, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Covered benefits include some compensation for necessary medical expenses, lost wages, lost services, and funeral expenses. $10,000 worth of PIP is mandatory, although you may be able to increase your benefits by purchasing increased limits. Some drivers may choose to decrease their premiums by applying a deductible to their PIP coverage or by excluding the loss of wages benefit.

Auto insurance laws may also require that certain drivers carry Bodily Injury Liability. This coverage helps pay for the cost of injuries you cause to another in an auto accident. Drivers with previous accidents or violations may be required to carry this type of coverage.

Bodily injury liability coverage carries a minimum limit of 10/20; which means $10,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $20,000 in total.) However, these are only minimums, and higher limits are recommended. Drivers who aren’t required by law to purchase BIL are strongly urged to consider doing so for their own financial protection.

Auto insurance companies will also offer optional coverages such as collision, comprehensive, and uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage.

More news, information, and insurance tips visit QuickQuoteUS.com

By: Mary Hilf

Illinois Car Insurance Requirements

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 13:06:45 +0000

Illinois Law requires all motor vehicle owners to have minimum amounts of auto liability insurance. In addition, lending institutions may require physical damage insurance to protect their interests in a financed vehicle.

In the State of Illinois the required minimum coverage for bodily injury is $20,000 per person injured in any one accident and $40,000 for all persons injured in any one accident.

The required minimum coverage for property damage is $15,000 for injury to or the destruction of property of others in any one accident.

Optional insurance may include Uninsured Motorist Coverage. The total amount of this insurance coverage must be equal to the bodily injury liability limits, unless specifically rejected in writing. The amount of Uninsured Motorist coverage may never be less than that which is legally required for Bodily Injury Liability Coverage.

Liability insurance will cover bodily injury (costs stemming from injury or death to pedestrians or to occupants in another vehicle) or property damage (costs stemming from damage to another person’s vehicle or property, i.e., fences, trees and buildings) caused by the policy holder’s negligent operation of the vehicle. Additionally, this coverage may also be used if a member of the policy holder’s family or another person with permission to use the vehicle caused an accident. Legal defense in lawsuits may also be covered under this insurance.

Illinois requires liability limits of 20/40/15 which represent $20,000 for bodily injury coverage per person and $40,000 for bodily injury cover per accident which will pay for medical bills and lost wages. The last number of 15 represents $15,000 for property damage coverage per accident which will pay for repairs and/or replacement of objects damaged or destroyed other than the policy holder’s own vehicle.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and No-Fault Coverage are not required by the state, however, Uninsured (UM) as well as Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM) is mandatory. The UM coverage will pay expenses for bodily injuries caused by a hit-and-fun driver or a driver without auto liability insurance who is at fault. The monetary limits here are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. UIM coverage will pay the difference between the policy holder’s UIM limits and the liability limits of the driver causing the accident if those limits are lower than UIM. This is required only if the policy holder purchases higher limits of UM coverage.

Collision Coverage as well as Comprehensive Coverage may also be required with regard to actual physical damage.

By: Elizabeth Newberry

Michigan Auto Insurance Laws – MI Car Insurance Laws You Need to Know

admin — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 06:20:51 +0000

There are many different Michigan auto insurance laws that are important for all MI drivers to at least have a basic understanding of. Michigan has a no fault auto insurance law. Most states throughout America have tort laws, but Michigan is one of the few that does not. Such no-fault laws are put in place to try and reduce the number of frivolous and fraudulent lawsuits that result from car accidents. The car insurance laws in Michigan are very comprehensive and provide for excellent benefits if you are injured in a car accident.

Understanding The MI No Fault Auto Insurance Law

Michigan’s no fault law simply means that if you are involved in a car accident, bodily injuries are paid for by your own insurance coverage, regardless of who was at fault in the accident. For you this means that apart from the fact that it is required by law, it is also in your best interest to carry at least the minimum insurance coverage in the state.

Michigan no fault insurance provides for your medical expenses in these ways:

A. Unlimited coverage for medical and rehabilitative costs

B. Wage loss protection

C. Replacement services of $20 daily, for as long as 3 years

Michigan State Required Auto Insurance Coverage

The state of Michigan requires you to carry liability limits of 20/40/10 and personal injury protection coverage.

- 20/40/10 means $20,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person, $40,000 per accident in total and $10,000 in property damage liability

- PIP, as personal injury protection is called, pays all the medical costs that you incur if you are hurt in a car accident.

Comparing Michigan Auto Insurance Coverage Options

There are other types of car insurance available in Michigan also, including personal property coverage like collision and comprehensive, amongst others. To get more pricing on your car insurance needs, check out an online quote tool. It will provide you with a variety of Michigan auto insurance quotes from top insurers, so you can compare and contrast price, coverage and service.

By: James J. Robinson

Montana Car Insurance Guide – Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Montana

admin — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:59:44 +0000

What are the Montana car insurance minimum coverage requirements? How does one find the cheapest Montana car insurance rates? What are some of the best Montana auto insurance companies? Read on to get answers to your MT car insurance question and learn how to find the best Montana auto insurance policy for your specific needs.

The Penalty For Not Having Montana Car Insurance

Do you know what it means not to have car insurance in Montana? For Montana drivers it may mean a misdemeanor charge that includes a fine of up to $500 and 5 points added to your license (30 points on your driver’s license in Montana leads to automatic revocation of your driver’s license). As an added bonus a free 10 day vacation in the county jail.

Plus, if you didn’t learn the first time, the state of Montana will either charge you another fine, higher than the first time, or put you in jail for another 10 days. In addition, you’ll also have your driver’s license suspended for 90 days.

Montana Tort Auto Insurance Laws

Montana is under a tort system when it comes to car accidents. This means that for you to be charged with an accident’s damages, you must be proven to have been the cause of the accident. Each state under a tort system of law for car insurance operates slightly different, so the best place to go in the State of Montana to find out about the minimum state car insurance requirements is by contacting the Montana State Auditor in Helena by calling (406) 444-2040, or by visiting their website at http://sao.mt.gov.

Montana Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements

Under Montana law, you must have Bodily Injury Liability coverage with a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Bodily Injury Liability car insurance covers the medical expenses of all occupants of your car in the event of an accident.

Montana residents are also required to carry $10,000 of Property Damage car insurance coverage. Property Damage coverage pays for any property damages resulting from an accident, including the damages suffered by the other driver.

Keep in mind these are only the minimum requirements for the state of Montana. With the rising costs of car repairs and medical expenses, the numbers can add up fast. Since you will be held personally responsible for any expenses not covered by insurance, you may want to increase these coverage amounts substantially.

Montana Optional Auto Insurance Coverage

While not required under Montana law, you may want to purchase collision and comprehensive car insurance coverage. Collision pays for damages to your vehicle in the event of an accident, and comprehensive car insurance will pay for repairs up to the Blue Book value of the car. If the cost of repair exceeds the Blue Book value, the car may be deemed to be totaled, and you would be awarded the cash value of your car. It’s for this reason that many lenders require that any car purchased with a car loan carry comprehensive car insurance.

Uninsured/underinsured insurance is not required in Montana but is highly recommended. This type of car insurance coverage protects you in the even that you are in an accident with a driver who either is uninsured or underinsured. This type of coverage will also help pay for medical expenses and car repairs following an accident with one of these drivers.

You might also want to consider Personal Injury Protection car insurance coverage in addition to the Montana state requirements. Personal Injury Protection coverage insures you and your passengers to provide help with medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services after an accident, even if you were found to be the cause of that accident.

How To Find Cheap Montana Car Insurance Rates

As always, you may want to review your Montana car insurance policy once every 6 months to make sure you have adequate coverage for your driving needs and you are not paying any more than you should. Shop around and do a side-by-side comparison of prices and the coverage offered. Compare at least 3 different car insurance companies in order to find the best rate.

Montana Auto Insurance Companies

No one single insurer is the best choice for every Montana resident so be sure and shop around. Here is a listing of some of the top MT car insurance companies:

AIG
SF Insurance
GEICO
Allstate
Esurance
Liberty Mutual
Progressive

Compare Montana Car Insurance Quotes Online

So if you live in Montana and plan on a drive down Sun Road in Glacier Park, considered to be the one of the most scenic drives in the United States, you may want to make sure you have proper car insurance. Of course, there is no need to have to drive all around town as well and get rates from one Montana auto insurance agent after another – there is an easier way. Compare MT auto insurance quotes online from competing companies and then choose the one that will best meet your needs.

By: James J. Robinson