When you own a car, Florida state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance. If you finance a loan for a car, the lender may also require additional coverage to protect itself in the event your car is damaged or destroyed. Your monthly payment is dependent on the number of features you choose to include in your coverage.
Due to not understanding the language or intent of their car insurance agreement, many people have inadequate coverage. It is important to know what you are signing up for so you receive the benefits you expect if you ever must file a claim. At Oyer, Macoviak and Associates, we take the time to understand your car insurance needs so we can match you to the best providers in Florida to meet your needs. This article explains the components of the average car insurance policy that you need to know.
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Liability Insurance is Required
Liability insurance is the term used to describe financial protection for you in the event of bodily injury to others, property damage, and protection against damage caused by uninsured motorists. Even though the law requires anyone who owns a car to carry insurance, some people choose not to because they don’t want to pay for it. Other drivers have had their license suspended for violations and no company will insure them. Although it’s not fair to drivers who play by the rules, the sad reality is you need to protect yourself against these irresponsible people.
Bodily injury coverage pays the medical and other expenses of people who were injured by an accident that you caused. Property damage pays the cost to repair damage you caused to another vehicle, trees, fences, and other types of personal property. The uninsured motorist portion of your liability coverage pays for your expenses if you are in an accident with a person without insurance or are the victim of a hit-and-run collision. You also have the option of adding a rider for underinsured motorists. This covers a larger portion of your expenses when the other person involved in the accident has insufficient insurance coverage to reimburse you.
Because Florida is a no-fault insurance state, your policy may include personal injury protection and residual bodily injury liability coverage. These provide financial payments to passengers in your car, regardless of who was at fault. Additionally, you are protected from financial loss if someone else was driving your car and got into an accident.
Insurance Coverage for Your Vehicle
While liability insurance is the minimum you need to carry, you can also choose coverage for your vehicle itself. Collision coverage pays for damages when you collide with anything except another car. Examples include a tree, pole, house, or road sign. Comprehensive coverage pays you for vehicle damage unrelated to a collision, such as vandalism, severe weather, or theft.
Optional Insurance to Consider
Most insurance companies also offer several types of optional coverage. With medical payments coverage, you or your family receive reimbursement for funeral or medical costs for yourself or others killed or injured while riding in your car or driving it. Examples of expenses that may be covered include chiropractic care, dental costs, and the cost of surgery to repair injuries received in the accident. However, you should check with your health insurance provider to make sure that some of these things aren’t already covered under that policy.
Rental car reimbursement, towing services, and emergency roadside assistance are additional popular features that are typically inexpensive. Be sure to ask us for an explanation of all types of coverage before you sign a binding contract.
Finally
If you want to discuss options for car insurance, please call us at 561-732-9305. Our quoting hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. In addition, you can request a quote online. Please remember, We Handle All the Work, While You Save!
Robert Macoviak is the President of Oyer, Macoviak and Associates. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates is the oldest independent insurance agency in Boynton Beach and has been in business since 1953. Oyer, Macoviak and Associates are vested members of the community who are committed to doing business face-to-face and being your insurance advocate in times of need.
