Legal Matters
presented by: Frank S. Buck P.C., Personal Injury
Do You Have Enough Automobile Insurance Coverage to Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones in the Event of a Holiday Car Wreck?
Take Time to Check
You probably have automobile insurance, but do you understand the basics of your policy? The first step in reviewing your automobile insurance policy is to request a copy of the Declaration’s Page from your insurance company which contains details unique to your specific policy. It will list all drivers and automobiles that are insured under your policy as well as the policy number and the period of time that the policy insures you. It also contains the type of insurance coverage purchased, policy limits and deductibles. It is important to meet with your insurance agent to discuss the different types of automobile coverage available to you as well as the cost of each so that you understand your policy.
In Alabama, if you purchase liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory on your policy unless you specifically reject it in writing. You should never reject it. It is essential that in addition to your liability coverage, you also purchase uninsured motorist coverage, which is applicable when the person who caused the car wreck either has no insurance or does not have enough insurance to fully compensate the injured party or parties in the vehicle.
There is a common misconception that this coverage is expensive and unnecessary and therefore, many people chose to reject it. The cost difference of your monthly premium to add this insurance coverage to your policy is not very expensive compared to the benefits of having this coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage is the only way you will be compensated if you are injured by a person who failed to keep insurance on their automobile. For example, if you and your family are headed home from church on Christmas Eve and a person who has no automobile insurance runs a red light and hits the family vehicle, causing serious injuries to your entire family, your own uninsured motorist coverage would kick in and compensate your family for your injuries.
A large percentage of Alabamians have no insurance at all so it is very important that you purchase uninsured motorists in case of an accident. Another layer of automobile insurance coverage that is good to purchase and beneficial in the event of personal injuries is medical payment coverage. This coverage applies toward your medical bills when you have been injured in addition to uninsured motorist coverage.
Protect yourself and your family by making sure you have proper insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance agent for insurance rates.
Frank S. Buck, P.C., Attorneys at Law have been offering professional legal services and serving Alabama citizens for over 43 years. We have experienced trial attorneys who have over 100 years of combined trial experience. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (205) 933-7533. Please call us for a free consultation.Visit us at www.franksbuck.com.
