Know Your Insurance: 4 Things you must know to Protect Your Family

Safe driving habits will always be Plan A when it comes to helping you and your family avoid personal injuries. With that said, there is simply no way to guarantee that other drivers will exercise similar judgment when operating their vehicles. As Arizona personal injury lawyers, we always strive to inform Arizona residents about meaningful matters that can keep their families safe and protected. As part of our commitment to keep you informed, today’s blog reviews four all-important questions you must ask your insurance agent to ensure you and your family are protected:

1. Do I Have Uninsured Motorist Coverage?  In Arizona, more than 10% of drivers carry no car insurance.  Should one of these drivers injure you in a car crash, it is unlikely they can compensate you for the full extent of your medical bills, or pain and suffering.  Uninsured motorist coverage (“UM”) is insurance coverage that you purchase to protect you and your family in this exact event.  If a driver without any insurance coverage causes injuries to you, your uninsured motorist policy will cover your damages arising from that crash.
2. Do I Have Underinsured Motorist Coverage? Similar to UM coverage, underinsured motorist coverage (“UIM”) is insurance you purchase to protect yourself if an adverse driver does not carry sufficient insurance to cover your personal injury damages.  Many drivers maintain the minimum $25,000.00 policy in Arizona.  However, one trip to the emergency room after a car crash will likely gobble that policy up.  You need UIM coverage to make sure you receive reasonable and necessary medical treatment to rehabilitate and to further compensate you for the physical and emotional toll your injuries caused.
3. Do I Have Medical Payments Coverage?  Medical payments coverage, or “MedPay” is also purchased through your own insurance carrier and kicks in to cover only medical payments arising after a car crash. This type of coverage is “no-fault” coverage. This means your MedPay coverage will apply regardless of who is at fault for your injuries.
4. What Activities Are Excluded Under My Policy? It is important to understand the parameters of your auto insurance policy.  For example, some insurance policies do not provide coverage for injuries that occur while you operate a motorcycle or ATV.  Some insurance policies exclude coverage involving persons under 18 years old.  Always make sure that everyone in your family is protected under your auto insurance policy, and that it extends to your favorite hobbies.

Torgenson Law attorneys are well-versed in the insurance language and offer a complimentary review of your vehicle insurance information.  Simply call our offices and ask for a review of your insurance policy.  One of our attorneys will conduct a free review of your insurance policy and explain its parameters and the coverage available to you.

If you, or someone you know, were injured in an Arizona car crash, please call our Phoenix car accident injury attorneys today at (602) 726-0747.  

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