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You may not know what insurance option is best for you after a car accident. When the other driver is at fault, you would generally file a claim with their insurance to recover damages. However, this is not required, and you could use your own policy’s coverage, depending on what you have. It may benefit you to use your own insurance.
There are pros and cons to each option. A lawyer can review your case and determine which option makes the most sense for you. After a car accident, you deserve to get compensation quickly. A legal professional can help make that happen.
Understanding What Full Coverage Entails
Some states require you to carry more than just liability auto insurance. For example, many states require you to carry collision and comprehensive insurance, too. Collision insurance covers damage to your car caused by another motorist.
It may also cover your repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. Comprehensive insurance protects your property inside your vehicle and covers repairs when your car is damaged by bad weather. The costs of these coverages vary.
What Is Liability Coverage?
Liability coverage pays for others’ bodily injury claims from an accident you caused. It covers the damages from accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and even objects on public roads. The coverage can help pay for individuals’ medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
This basic auto insurance doesn’t provide coverage for the policyholder. If another party is at fault in your car accident, and you only have liability coverage, you should look to the other party’s insurance coverage to pay your damages. You may be unsure of what insurance you have; a lawyer can help you figure out your coverage if necessary.
Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider
When filing a claim with your insurance provider, you must first determine what benefits you’re entitled to under your policy. You can find this information by reviewing your policy document. Filing a claim with your insurer after an accident someone else caused may make sense, especially when the other driver lacks insurance. It is ideal when you have no other options.
Keep in mind, though, that you will be paying a deductible when you file with your insurer. The amount of this deductible varies based on the value of your car. You could be looking at a deductible of $500 to $1,000, depending on your policy.
If you are eligible for benefits under your insurance policy, you will need to submit a proof of loss to your insurance provider. Once you’ve done that, you would expect your insurance provider to send you a check that adequately covers your damages.
You May Run into Issues with Your Insurer
It shouldn’t take too long to receive compensation as you’re a paying policyholder. A lawyer can step in if you find that your insurer is stalling or does not pay you the settlement you deserve.
They won’t allow an insurer to play games or lowball you. Instead, they will negotiate with them and ensure you receive compensation that covers all your damages.
If You Do Not Have Full Coverage
If you are not eligible for benefits under your policy, then you may be able to recover damages from the at-fault party. However, certain limits apply to how much money you can receive. As a result, the at-fault party may not be able to compensate you fully.
If you can’t obtain sufficient compensation from the other driver’s insurance provider, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against them. Going to court may be the only way to achieve the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Claim with the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance
You may want to consider filing with the other driver’s insurance company first. After all, if they caused the accident, they should be paying for your damages. One of the biggest pros of filing with the other driver’s insurer is that you don’t have to pay a deductible. You also don’t have to worry about your premiums rising, which happens when you file a claim with your insurer, regardless of fault.
Working with another party’s insurance company has its cons. Since you are not one of their customers, it can take longer than usual to get your settlement. They are in no hurry to cater to your needs. If the other driver challenges their liability, their insurer may investigate the accident, dragging out the claims process.
There are certainly risks to filing with the other party’s insurance company, but there are risks either way. It is possible that whether you file with your insurer or the other driver’s, you will not get a fair amount of money for your damages. However, with a lawyer’s help, you can rest easy knowing they will do everything in their power to get you the compensation you are entitled to.
Contact George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Today to Discuss Your Car Accident
Connect with George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers if you sustained injuries in an auto accident. Our lawyers are ready to help you recover what you deserve. When you speak with us, you will learn your best course of action for pursuing compensation. Call us at (888) 612-7001 for a free case consultation. Review our case results to see how hard we fight for our clients.