Navigating through the intricacies of a liability car insurance policy can be daunting, especially when deciphering the significance of the numbers involved and the scope of coverage they provide. This type of insurance is designed to offer financial security in the event you are responsible for causing injuries to others in a car accident.
Insurance policy limits typically indicate the maximum payout an insurance provider will offer for losses in an accident covered by the policy. These limits are often represented in a numerical format such as 100/300/50.
Coverage for bodily injury includes expenses like medical bills, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. Property damage coverage assists in paying for repairs or replacement of vehicles and personal belongings, as well as damage to nearby properties such as a streetlight.
Each state mandates specific minimum coverage limits that drivers must have to drive legally. For instance, in California, these minimum limits are set at 15/30/5. However, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, these minimum limits may not be sufficient, especially if costs incurred exceed these coverage limits.
Under a car liability insurance policy, the insurer is only obliged to cover costs up to the limit of the at-fault driver’s insurance for injuries and property damage. For example, if the policy covers $100,000 for bodily injuries but the medical expenses amount to $1,000,000, the insurance company’s liability is confined to the $100,000 limit. This situation could expose the at-fault driver to the remaining $900,000 liability, underscoring the importance of higher insurance policy limits.
In certain scenarios, an injured party can seek compensation exceeding the at-fault party’s policy limits. This is possible, for example, if the insurance company acts in bad faith by delaying claims processing, refusing settlements, or not investigating claims adequately. In such cases, the policy limits may not apply. Other avenues for recovery might include holding additional defendants accountable, utilizing umbrella policies for extra coverage, or tapping into underinsured motorist coverage.
The process of obtaining compensation through an insurance claim is complex, often involving multiple at-fault parties and diverse insurance policies. To ensure maximum recovery, it’s crucial to have experienced attorneys like those at Avian Law Group. With a history of challenging insurance companies since 1985, Avian Law Group handles cases on a no win no fee basis, meaning no fees are charged until compensation is secured. For a free case consultation, contact Avian Law Group at (888) 465-0540.