When buying car insurance, there are many different coverage issues to consider; most of us tend to focus on coverage for situations where we damage our vehicle, pay for damage to other people’s property, and pay for damages if we physically injure another person. But what if someone hits you? Have you ever said to yourself, “If someone else hits me, then their insurance will pay?” But what if they don’t have insurance, or what if they have really low limits that don’t cover the damage/injury they cause?
As of 2012, the Insurance Research Council (IRC) estimates that approximately 1 in 8 drivers (12.6%) drive without insurance.
Uninsured Drivers
Most states require drivers to have auto liability insurance, but a few do not, including New Hampshire. While Massachusetts has a low incidence of uninsured drivers (4.0% in 2012), you are on the roads with drivers insured in other states or may visit another state yourself on vacation or for work. A popular vacation spot like Florida has among the highest uninsured driver rates, with 23.8%. Drivers from all over visit New England, so you can only assume that some people are as responsible as you are.
Underinsured Drivers
You face an even greater risk of being hit by an “underinsured” driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. Massachusetts only requires minimum limits of $20,000/$40,000 bodily injury to others to register a vehicle…that won’t cover much in a severe accident. When you purchased your auto insurance, you probably purchased higher limits; however, you can’t rely on others to be as responsible.
Use your Auto Insurance to Protect Yourself
So what can you do? You can protect yourself by having “uninsured and underinsured coverage” on your auto policy. Uninsured coverage pays for injuries resulting from an accident, with a driver responsible for the injuries but no liability coverage. Underinsured coverage is when the responsible driver has insufficient liability limits to pay for your injuries. Generally, you can purchase uninsured and underinsured up to the limits of the “optional bodily injury to others coverage” you have purchased. Why would I want to protect myself less than I protect others?
Talk to your agent about upgrading your coverage on your auto insurance policy to be protected in case an underinsured or uninsured motorist injures you. If you have an umbrella policy, you can upgrade your umbrella coverage to include this protection.
Visit Our Auto Insurance Page
At Murphy Insurance, we are here to assist you in obtaining the appropriate auto insurance. Choosing the appropriate auto insurance coverage can be overwhelming. Every insurance company has its unique offerings, making it challenging to compare options effectively. That’s where we shine. We simplify the process by helping you evaluate provider and policy choices, seek out discounts, and optimize your car insurance within your budget constraints. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with peace of mind, knowing that you and your loved ones are well-protected.
Visit Our Personal Insurance Page
Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.