Understanding the role of auto insurance in Memphis car accidents is crucial to getting a policy that fits with your lifestyle. There are many types of coverage that you can have, and David E. Gordon is experienced in recovering compensation from every pocket of one’s policy. If you need help deciding which type of insurance is best for you, consider hiring a dedicated lawyer.

Types of Insurance

An automobile policy has what David calls “pockets” of money that can be recovered in the case of an accident. They are purchased when a person starts paying for a policy. There are 7 major types of coverage that a car owner could purchase:

Liability Coverage

Every automobile insurance policy has liability coverage that protects them if they are responsible for causing an accident. This coverage is always part of a driver’s policy because there needs to be coverage that will pay the other driver for the damages that the insured has caused.

Uninsured Motorist Protection

The next most important part of a person’s auto insurance policy is one that many people do not have. It is called uninsured motorist (UM) protection. In fact, this policy is so important that the Tennessee State Legislature requires a person to check a box on their application if they do not want it. They must make a formal declaration against it not to have it. Yet many people would like to save a few dollars, so they forgo UM. Because it is not very expensive and companies must offer it by law in Memphis, local lawyers urge drivers to spend the extra money for this policy.

This type of protection is for instances where the other driver does not have insurance, which is the case for thousands of people in Memphis. When a driver is in an accident with someone who does not have insurance, their uninsured motorist protection is going to apply so that the insured’s damages can still be covered.

Does Everyone’s Auto Insurance Policy have Collision Coverage?

Another important part of a person’s policy is collision coverage. Collision coverage is the pocket of the policy that covers the damage to the insured’s car, regardless of fault.

For example, if a person were to back into a low brick wall they did not see, those damages are going to be covered by the collision part of the policy. Small accidents happen like this often, so this is a very important provision to have.

Comprehensive Coverage Regardless of Fault

Another option for those looking for a good place to save money rather than forgoing UM protection is comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive coverage protects a person if somebody vandalizes, breaks into, or damages the locks of their car.

For example, if someone were to intentionally take a key down the side of a driver’s door or the windshield is cracked by a rock, comprehensive insurance can cover both of those incidents. This coverage is not completely necessary if someone has an old car, although it could be beneficial for those with new vehicles.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage is a pocket that will pay for medical bills. It is similar to collision coverage in that it does not matter who was at fault for the accident. If somebody gets hurt in a collision, every occupant in their car has available to them a certain amount of money for their treatment under medical payments coverage. This coverage is usually around $5,000 in expenses. Although, if a person has health insurance, it is not an important part of a driver’s policy.

Rental Coverage for After an Accident

Another pocket in their policy is rental coverage. When the rear end of their car is being repaired after they ran into that brick wall, they may need a vehicle for the time being. Usually rental coverage will require a person to pay a small amount each day to a Memphis rental car company and it could be limited to 30 days, but it can be a very helpful part of their policy after an accident.

Emergency Coverage in Auto Insurance

The last pocket of their policy would be emergency coverage. Emergency coverage will help if a driver gets a flat tire or their vehicle quits on them and they need a tow.

Their car insurance will reimburse them the money on emergency expenses or pay the charge for the tow directly. Some of these companies have an emergency number on their insurance card that an insured can call and the company can send somebody to tow their vehicle at no charge to the insured.

Auto Insurance in Memphis Car Accidents

While not every type of coverage is necessary for every driver, it is important to understand the different types of auto insurance in Memphis car accident claims. For more information, consult experienced attorney David E. Gordon today.

The Law Offices of David E. Gordon

The Law Offices of David E. Gordon
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