The Risks of Not Having Bodily Injury Coverage in Your Auto Insurance

As you may already know, there are many types of auto insurance available to protect you and others from financial distress during unforeseen events. Knowing what’s covered by various policies can sometimes be hard to navigate, which is why it’s important to know you can lean on your insurance company for support. But it’s also essential to understand the consequences that can occur if you don’t have the right types of coverage. Exploring why bodily injury coverage is important and how much your policy should include helps you manage your financial responsibilities after an accident.

Know the Consequences of Not Having Bodily Injury Coverage

The first thing to understand is that bodily injury coverage is designed to provide financial support to the other party who sustains injuries during an accident you’re liable for causing. This type of coverage will usually cover the other person’s medical care for injuries along with potential legal costs.

If you don’t have bodily injury coverage, you’re still expected to make sure the other party’s expenses are paid when they’re associated with the accident. Since hospital bills, ongoing physical therapy, and other types of care can get expensive, it’s easy to see how severe the consequences of not having this coverage can be for your financial security.

Make Sure Bodily Injury Coverage Is on Your Liability Policy

Most liability auto insurance policies include bodily injury coverage. However, you always want to make sure your policy provides the right level of coverage. In California, you must have at least $30,000 of coverage for death or injury to one person and $60,000 for death/injury to more than one person. Keep in mind this may still only cover a portion of the costs for someone’s injuries in a severe accident. This is why some people may opt to add additional coverage, especially if they’re at higher risk for being sued by the other party.

Understand the Laws Concerning Liability Auto Insurance

Bodily injury and property damage coverage are two separate things. When they purchase auto insurance, Chula Vista drivers need to make sure their liability policies cover all of the legal requirements. Working with a reputable insurance company helps you be confident your policy aligns with the legal requirements. If you fail to have adequate coverage, you could also face fines and other penalties for lacking the appropriate auto insurance.

Plan for Covering Your Needs in Collisions with Uninsured Motorists

Despite the laws, there are some drivers who may not carry bodily injury coverage. If you’re in an accident with someone who’s at fault and lacks the proper coverage, you may face difficulties with recovering the costs of your medical care. While your health insurance may cover some of the costs, it’s often best to also have insurance coverage for managing damages caused by uninsured motorists. Making sure you’re protected from every angle allows you to preserve your financial security no matter who’s responsible for the collision.

Whether you need reliable, affordable auto coverage or dependable business, homeowners, or renters insurance, turn to Altra Insurance Services. For high-quality coverage and outstanding customer service, reach out to our experienced agents. Give us a call today to learn how you can save money on all your insurance needs.