The Benefits of Having Car Insurance - Jones Law Group - Your Lawyers for Life

The Benefits of Having Car Insurance

On average, Floridians pay $3,183 a year for car insurance. This is roughly 37% more than the national annual coverage. This can be contributed to the fact that Florida is the third most dangerous state to drive in, with an average of 1,000 car accidents a day. With Florida’s accident rate being so high, it is important to have proper car insurance and protection.

Car insurance can prove to be beneficial in different ways. It can help protect you from the cost of repairs and medical expenses, and it may officer financial protection. However, the level of protection you receive is dependent on the type of insurance you have.

Types of Car Insurance

There are 6 main types of car insurance, but only two of them are required in Florida.

1. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

In Florida, Personal Injury Protection Insurance covers medical costs, lost wages, and death benefits. PIP Insurance will pay up to $10,000 following your claim. It is important to note that in Florida, PIP insurance only covers 80% of your medical costs. However, if your injury is not considered an emergency, your insurance will only distribute $2,500 in benefits. Additionally, it may prove beneficial for one also to have comprehensive medical insurance.

2. Property Damage Liability

On the flip side, Property Damage Liability protects you if you are found at fault for injuring another party in an accident. Bodily Injury Liability insurance covers the same things as Personal Injury Protection, just for the other injured parties. It covers medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, emergency aid, and more.

The other types of car insurance can be beneficial depending on what level of coverage you are seeking.

3. Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle from damages caused by a non-collision accident. This includes theft, vandalism, windshield damage, and other damages caused by weather incidents. To clarify, comprehensive insurance is not the same as full coverage insurance, as it does not protect your vehicle from collisions.

4. Collision Insurance

Collision insurance covers repairs or replacements needed to fix your vehicle after accidents involving stationary objects like telephone poles or guardrails. This insurance also covers accidents with stationary vehicles or accidents involving a parked vehicle. Purchase collision insurance to cover cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.

5. Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily Injury Liability protects your assets if you are responsible for an accident where other parties were injured or killed.

6. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Unfortunately, roughly 1 in 4 drivers in the state of Florida do not have insurance. This could potentially leave you without coverage for your damages. Uninsured Motorist Coverage can help pay for medical expenses or damages caused by a driver who is uninsured.

An underinsured driver is someone who has car insurance but whose level of coverage is not high enough to cover others’ injuries and damages as a result of an accident they cause. In the event of an accident, Underinsured Motorist Coverage may help to cover damages that the underinsured motorist’s insurance doesn’t.

The Cost of Driving Without Car Insurance

Even if you aren’t the cause of your car accident, you may still incur some costs associated with driving while uninsured. Penalties for driving without the required insurance in Florida can range from a $150 reinstatement fee to a $500 reinstatement fee. As a result, the state may suspend your driver’s license, license plate, and/or registration.

To avoid these fees, make sure that you have active car insurance when driving. We know insurance is expensive, but so are the fines for not carrying it.

Contact Jones Law Group Today

Here at Jones Law Group, we understand that Florida car insurance can be expensive. It can also be difficult choosing an insurance plan that suits your needs. Regardless of your level of insurance coverage, we’re here to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Our experienced team of attorneys works hard to ensure our clients receive fair compensation. Our firm has a long track record of success in similar cases.  For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation, don’t hesitate to use our online contact form, or please contact us by calling us at 727-571-1333.