Upgrading Auto Insurance Coverage for Adequate Protection
Car insurance is something we hope we never have to use. However, you don’t want to wait until you have an accident to find out that your insurance coverage is inadequate. At the Orlow firm, our personal injury attorneys all too often see Queens residents fall victim to insufficient auto insurance coverage. We strongly suggest that you consider adding to your coverage in the following ways:
Supplemental Spousal Liability Insurance
Your basic liability policy does not provide coverage if one spouse causes injury or death to the other due to negligent driving. For example, assume you are in the passenger seat while your spouse is driving. He or she becomes distracted by texting while driving, rear-ends another vehicle and causes injury to you. Under basic Bodily Injury coverage, you, as the injured spouse, cannot receive payments. Fortunately, New York State auto insurers must notify you of the availability of Supplemental Spousal Insurance Liability Coverage. In order to receive this coverage, you must request it in writing from your insurer. It is not expensive and may prove to be a worthwhile investment.
Increased Bodily Injury Liability
If you are involved in an accident that causes injury to another, it may be important to protect your assets in the event of a lawsuit. You should seriously consider purchasing higher limits of bodily injury liability, such as those within the range of $50,000/$100,000, $100,000/$300,000, $250,000/$500/000, or even higher, depending on the amount of assets you wish to protect.
Increased Property Damage Liability
The minimum requirement for third-party property damage liability coverage is $10,000. However, many of today’s cars are worth far more and the cost of replacement or repair can easily exceed minimum coverage levels. Consider raising your property damage limits to $15,000, $25,000, $50,000 or higher.
Increased Personal Injury Protection (no-fault) Benefits
For a modest cost, the minimum $50,000 no-fault benefits coverage can be extended to $100,000 or higher. Additional coverage extends to all out-of-state guest occupants in your vehicle while you are driving anywhere in the U.S. and its territories or Canada. In addition, you can increase maximum benefits for potential lost earnings and other necessary expenses.
Increased Supplemental Uninsured Motorist (SUM) Coverage
Extending this coverage provides you with added protection against negligent actions by uninsured or hit-and-run motorists. Coverage is available for up to $250,000 per person per accident and $500,000 per accident. Extended coverage is also available for collision, comprehensive (damage to your vehicle from causes other than collision as well as theft), medical payments and accidental death and dismemberment.
Contact the Orlow Firm
We urge you to discuss expanded coverage with your insurer to see which level of benefits is most appropriate for you.
If you have further questions, contact the Queens personal injury attorneys at The Orlow Firm by calling (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation.
