Mandatory Minimum Auto Insurance
Florida law requires all drivers to carry $10,000 of PIP (personal injury protection) cover and $10,000 PDL (property damage liability). Without this amount or more of these two coverage areas in place, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle anywhere in the state.
PIP protection will help pay for medical bills stemming from injuries to yourself or your passengers due to a car accident. PIP applies regardless of fault, and each driver’s PIP cover applies to him and his passengers. You can upgrade the amount of PIP to more realistically cover in full any likely injuries, and you can also add medical expense cover to add additional cover for each passenger.
PDL cover protection cover you as to paying for any damage you may do to the other driver’s car or other property when you are at fault. If the other driver is at fault, then of course, his PDL would pay to repair your vehicle instead.
Bodily Injury Liability (BIL)
Bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage is used to pay for serious injuries or death of other people due to an accident in which you are at fault. If you purchase BIL at all, you have to buy a 10/20 or higher plan, meaning $10,000 per person but not over $20,000 total for the coverage limits.
If you fear your driving skills aren’t perfect or if you are a new driver, it might be a good idea to add BIL. Plus, those who have already been involved in serious car crashes and/or convicted of certain driving crimes in the past may be required to buy bodily injury liability under Florida law.
Collision & Comprehensive Cover
When your own vehicle is fairly valuable or when you still owe on your vehicle and the bank requires it, you may need to buy collision and comprehensive auto insurance. These two add-ons give you the fullest possible protection against all manner of damage that could happen to your car. It protects you against theft, vandalism, fire, weather, hail, falling branches, and more – besides against any and all damage sustained in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
Be careful in balancing the deductibles and the premium increases involved with comprehensive and collision cover to ensure your out of pocket expense are low enough, your limits are high enough, and your premiums are still reasonably affordable.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Unfortunately, not all other motorists will be as responsible as you in buying insurance and enough of it. Rather than rely solely on filing lawsuits, far better to buy un- and under- insured motorists cover for a small additional premium hike. Everyone should add this rider because its benefit far exceeds its cost.
For help in building an auto insurance policy that meets all of your needs and is still affordable, talk to an experienced insurance agent. Feel free to contact Flagler County (FL) Insurance Agency today!