Full Coverage Doesn't Cover Everything

A common phrase we hear from new clients regarding automobile insurance is that they have "full coverage". Having full coverage is a good thing, but sometimes "full coverage" doesn't mean you have "proper coverage" to cover your damages in an automobile accident.

The term "full coverage" can lead to a person believing that they have sufficient coverage in each category of loss, which is not the case in most automobile accidents. In the state of Texas, all registered vehicles must carry liability, and there is a minimum policy requirement. Here is a description of these requirements:

• Bodily Injury Liability - $30,000 per person & $60,000 per occurrence/per accident. This coverage pays for claims and lawsuits filed against you by people who are injured or die as a result of an auto accident you cause. Bodily Injury Liability specifically covers:

• Hospital bills
• Rehabilitation
• Long-term nursing care
• Funeral expenses
• Lost earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Legal defense if you are sued

• Property Damage Liability - $25,000 per accident. This pays for the damage done to anyone else's property as a result of an auto accident you cause, whether it's another vehicle, a lamppost, or even a house, up to the selected amount. As part of your Liability Insurance, Property Damage coverage also pays for your legal defense costs if you are sued as a result of these damages.

It is advised to always consider carrying a policy higher than the minimum requirements for liability. If you cause an accident that exceeds your policy limit, you may be held responsible for the remaining costs, which can cause more financial burdens than it would if your insurance limit was higher. To get the most protection possible, you may consider these other types of coverages:

• Personal Injury Protection - This provides protection for bodily injury and up to 80% of lost income if you or your passengers are injured in an auto accident, regardless of who caused it. The minimum limit available is $2500 per person per accident.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage -  This provides extra protection for you and the passengers in your vehicle in case you’re involved in an accident where someone is no insurance or insufficient insurance.  This is offered in split limits for bodily injury and property damage.

• Medical Payments Insurance - This pays medical expenses for you and any passengers in your vehicle who are injured during an accident or auto-related injury, regardless of who caused the accident.

Full coverage can be defined as having the required minimum in the state of Texas, or being covered in all areas of insurance in case the minimum doesn't cover all the possible expenses that can occur from an accident. We recommend that you review your policy to make sure that you have sufficient coverage to make up for any losses you may suffer or cause. Purchase as much coverage as you can afford to make sure you are protected, as well as coverage against other drivers that have insurance coverage too low to adequately compensate you should you become injured and are unable to work.

If you or anyone you know have been injured in an auto accident, regardless of who caused it, it is best to hire legal representation as soon as possible. The Law Office Of T. Christopher Lewis can help! Call us at (817) 795-3900 or fill out the form below and we will call you in minutes!