Understanding now what your vehicle insurance policy covers can come in handy if or when you ever need it. Of course, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile in educating our customers about their insurance needs and coverage.
This is why we spend the time up front to help you select the right coverage for your individual circumstances. It’s also why we recommend an annual review of your policies. You just never know when you might need additional coverage or a different policy to adequately protect you or your loved ones in your current circumstances.
However, if you experience an auto accident or a breakdown, the more you know about your coverage, the better equipped you will be to handle emergency situations safely and efficiently.
This post will talk about the various coverages provided by your vehicle insurance policy and some of the things you might want to think about when assessing your overall vehicle insurance needs.
What Does Vehicle Insurance Cover
Vehicle insurance requirements vary by state. Here in Arizona, as is the case in other states, certain minimum requirements exist. Specifically, three types of coverage are required by Arizona state law. These are:
- Liability insurance
- Personal injury protection and/or medical costs
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is a type of vehicle coverage that will pay for any damage to another vehicle or personal injury to affected individuals if you cause an accident.
In Arizona, the minimum requirements for liability insurance are as follows:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability for one person, and $30,000 for two or more people
- $10,000 property damage liability
Only the state of New Hampshire does not require liability insurance. If you own a vehicle registered outside of Arizona, you can check and see a state-by-state breakdown of liability coverage minimums.
Personal Injury Protections and Medical Costs
Your liability coverage will not cover costs for your own medical care as a result of a vehicle accident you cause. But don’t worry, there is coverage for your personal medical expenses, and our team can help you understand your options.
Many states also require what is called personal injury protection or medical payments coverage. This is in order to prevent the state from incurring unpaid medical expenses caused by vehicular accidents.
These are separate from liability coverage and in certain cases, cover lost wages and funeral expenses as well as actual medical costs.
Typically, coverage such as this can be included with your vehicle insurance quote as a separate line item.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for costs you incur if an uninsured or underinsured motorist injures you or damages your vehicle in an accident they cause.
You might be surprised how many drivers are driving without legally required minimum coverage. Even those who do carry minimum coverage may not have the funds to cover costs you incur if they cause an accident with you. While you can try to sue them to recover damages, you can only collect if they have the means to pay you.
An uninsured/underinsured motorist policy will cover the costs of your medical expenses in cases such as this. Certain policies also will cover the costs to repair or replace your vehicle. In many states, this type of coverage is legally required.
When Less Is Not More
Now that we understand the minimum vehicle insurance requirements and what they do and do not cover, let’s talk about roadside assistance coverage.
While roadside assistance coverage might not seem to be as important as some of the other coverages discussed above, it will seem important if (or when) you need it.
Roadside assistance coverage is extremely helpful and convenient in the event of a breakdown. If you run out of gas, get a flat tire or break down for any reason, roadside assistance can be a welcome friend to you.
Most auto policies offer optional roadside assistance coverage, and typically for a modest additional fee. If you break down, this fee will seem very small to you compared to the convenience of getting quick, professional and safe emergency assistance.
Generally speaking, roadside assistance coverage will pay for towing, battery service, flat tire service, fuel delivery, lockout service, and extrication. It will also provide you with telephone assistance to contact and schedule emergency service personnel, ensuring your safety and convenience when you do experience a breakdown.
We can talk with you about the specific details of your existing vehicle coverage to determine whether you do or do not have roadside assistance coverage. To learn more about your current coverage and any additional coverage you might want to explore, including roadside assistance, give us a call at (623) 583-7999. Our team is always here to serve you with personalized attention.