Choosing the Right Coverage
The Mississippi Insurance Department outlines the minimum insurance requirements for all motorists in the state. While each driver is required to obtain auto insurance, there is usually some flexibility for what to include in your policy outside of the mandated coverage, which includes:
- $25,000 per person in a single accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury
- $25,000 for property damage
Since the protections listed above are generally designed to protect the other people involved in a car accident, motorists may choose to obtain additional protection in the form of collision or uninsured/underinsured motorists (UM/UIM) coverage. However, many motorists choose to forgo having UM/UIM on their policy and instead opt only to obtain collision coverage. Here is why you should consider rethinking that strategy.
Collision Coverage is Only for Property Damage
The primary reason why you should rethink only having collision coverage is that it's designed exclusively for property damage to your vehicle. Depending on the severity of your accident, you could be faced with numerous medical bills that are not automatically covered by your insurance policy. Unless you choose to pursue a personal injury claim against the other driver, you could be left with thousands of dollars in medical costs that may go unpaid in your name.
Collision Coverage Does Not Protect Against Uninsured Drivers
Similar to the previous section, collision coverage can only do so much if you're involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist. While your policy will accommodate for the damages done to the other motorist, their vehicle, and any passengers, their lack of insurance will require you to pay more out of pocket for damages they caused.
Having this included on your auto policy means that you are covered for property damages and if you need medical attention, regardless of whether the at-fault driver is insured or not.
More Questions? We Have Answers
Being involved in a collision with an uninsured motorist should not mean more out-of-pocket costs for you. Likewise, you should never be responsible for paying for damages that another person has caused.
If you or a loved one is seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained in an accident with an uninsured motorist, our team can help fight for your rights to compensation. Call (662) 269-6188 to get in touch with us and learn more.