If you are planning a last summer road trip, your insurance matters more than ever. An auto accident is most likely to occur in the summer months, with August and September topping the list, as reported by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). The streets, roads, and highways are busy, with drivers operating large RVs who may be unfamiliar with the area or be driving while tired, distracted, or intoxicated.
You, your passengers, and your vehicle should be covered by the right insurance for a late-summer road trip. A personal insurance policy is one way to protect yourself from the risk of a financial disaster.
The Benefits of Personal Insurance
Protecting against legal liability may be necessary after an accident for which you were found partially or wholly responsible. Personal insurance, or “personal liability insurance,” protects you in the following scenarios:
- A lawsuit is filed against you after an accident
- You are found responsible for the costs associated with an injury to another person
- You must pay for property damage after being held liable after an accident
You may have some level of personal liability insurance through your homeowners’ policy, but these policies do not cover you in the event of an auto accident, so supplemental personal insurance is needed to protect against the financial losses of a vehicle crash.
Minimum Car Insurance Coverage May Not Be Enough
Minimum auto insurance coverage does little more than meet your state’s legal requirements for the following:
Bodily injury liability
This coverage is typically much less than necessary if any person is seriously injured. The cost of medical care and treatment can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. Suppose your auto insurance coverage is the minimum required by the state. In that case, if you are found to be responsible for a serious injury accident, you could be subject to a personal injury lawsuit. It happens every day. For better liability protection, ensure you have a personal insurance policy in place.
Property damage liability
The cost of replacing a vehicle totaled in an accident can be much higher than your coverage limits. Ensure you have enough car insurance to pay to replace a vehicle. If you are found liable in an accident, a personal insurance policy could cover the cost of property damage.
If you happen to be driving at the wrong place at the wrong time, even a seasoned driver can be involved in a serious accident or could make an error with severe consequences.
Basic auto coverage will allow you to operate your vehicle legally. Still, the insurance payout is typically much lower than needed if a car is totaled or a person suffers a serious injury. Before you head out on the road, consider purchasing personal insurance, as your auto insurance could be far less than you need if you are found liable in a collision.
The Best Personal Insurance – What’s Right for You?
It can be challenging to determine which personal insurance policy will be the most affordable while providing the best coverage. Our local agents can help you find the policy that offers the best protection at the rate that fits your budget. Rather than just purchasing the cheapest insurance online, talk to a professional who has your best interests at heart.
Insurance companies offer a range of policies and offer deals that could benefit you. We can show you the current best rates, companies, and options, and make the process far less stressful, as we do the heavy lifting for you.