Imagine cruising down the road, windows down, enjoying the drive. Suddenly, the unexpected happens – an accident. In the aftermath, besides potential car damage, a significant concern is often medical expenses. Luckily, car insurance can help with these costs, depending on your coverage. Let's break down how car insurance handles medical bills.
Basic auto insurance policies typically don't cover your medical bills after an accident. This is because they focus on protecting others. There are, however, ways to get coverage for your own medical expenses through additional options on your policy.
Most states require liability coverage. This covers injuries and damages caused to others in an accident for which you are at fault. Bodily injury liability pays for their medical bills, while property damage liability pays to repair or replace their damaged property. It's important to note that liability coverage does not cover your own medical expenses.
"Full coverage" is a term often used to describe a combination of coverages, typically including collision and comprehensive insurance for your car, alongside liability coverage. While it offers broader protection for your vehicle, it still doesn't cover your medical bills by default.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional add-on coverage that helps pay for your medical expenses and lost wages if you're injured in a car accident, regardless of who caused it. PIP can cover a wide range of costs, including:
With PIP, you choose a coverage limit that works for you. In the event of an accident, you file a claim with your own insurance company, and PIP helps cover your medical expenses up to your chosen limit. PIP can be a lifesaver, especially if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough bodily injury liability coverage or is uninsured altogether.
PIP requirements vary by state. Some states make it mandatory, while others offer it as an optional add-on. Regardless of your state's requirements, PIP is highly recommended. Medical bills can quickly skyrocket, and PIP offers valuable financial relief.
Bodily injury liability covers the medical expenses of others you injure in an accident. On the other hand, personal injury protection (PIP) covers your own medical expenses, regardless of fault.
Medpay, also known as Medical Payments Coverage, is another optional add-on that functions similarly to PIP. It helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident. However, unlike PIP, Medpay typically doesn't cover lost wages.
Similar to PIP, Medpay functions with a chosen coverage limit. In the event of an accident, you file a claim with your insurance company, and Medpay helps cover medical bills for you and your passengers up to the chosen limit.
While not mandatory, Medpay is a valuable addition to your car insurance policy, especially if you don't have PIP coverage or if PIP limits in your state are low.
Unfortunately, standard auto insurance policies do not cover funeral expenses. However, some life insurance policies offer accidental death benefits that can help cover these costs.
At Little & Sons Insurance Services, we understand the importance of having the right protection in place. Our experienced insurance agents can help you assess your needs and tailor a car insurance policy that includes the medical expense coverage options that are right for you. Don't wait until an accident happens - contact us today for a free quote. Call us at 1-844-954-8853 for a consultation
