What is “full coverage” insurance? If your car insurance policy has “full coverage”, it probably does not have as much coverage as or the type of coverage that you expect, and it probably does not include UM coverage. A policy that has what many refer to as “full coverage” usually means the policy has:
- Liability Coverage: This is insurance money that would be available to cover damages and harm you caused to another person while driving your insured vehicle.
- Collision Coverage: This is insurance available to you to repair your vehicle in the event of a wreck.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This is insurance that is available to repair your vehicle if it is damaged by theft or vandalism.
As you can see, “full coverage” does not include any insurance to protect you or your passengers if you are hurt in a wreck. This is just one of the common things that insurance companies don’t want you to know.
What Insurance Coverage Do I Have?
Every person deserves an explanation of what insurance coverage actually exists in his or her own insurance policy and most importantly, to understand what that coverage means to you. Unfortunately, too many people come to understand what they have been paying insurance premiums for after they, or a loved one, has been seriously injured in a car wreck (or hit by a car while on foot). At that point, it is too late to get the coverage you may need.
The phrase “ignorance of the law is no defense” applies to this situation. “Ignorance” of or not understanding what is in your own policy is no excuse in Georgia. You have a right to know, and you have a right to have someone answer your questions so that you are certain. Most often, the misunderstanding is about uninsured, or underinsured, motorist coverage (or “UM”). UM coverage is the only way to protect yourself, your loved ones and passengers from being in a situation that could leave you empty-handed and uncompensated for medical bills and for the harm caused to you by the fault of another driver.
If you are uncertain about what coverage your insurance policy has and want to be sure that part of your insurance payments are going towards coverage that will protect you if you are hurt in a wreck, you should find the answer immediately. It costs you nothing to briefly consult with an attorney who understands UM insurance and Georgia laws that can impact your rights to recover UM insurance.
Don’t be in doubt. Find out your rights and understand your policy so that if you are hurt due to the fault of another person, you will not be faced with an unpleasant surprise after you are injured.
The attorneys at the McArthur Law Firm specialize in cases involving claims for UM coverage. If in doubt, reach out, and we will be able to look at your policy and explain what coverage is available to you and what that coverage means.
