When it comes to protecting yourself and your vehicle on the road, Direct Auto offers a variety of car insurance options tailored to meet your needs. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of coverage Direct Auto provides, helping you make an informed decision about your insurance needs.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
What is Bodily Injury Liability Coverage?
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage helps protect you financially if you (or someone on your policy) cause a car accident that injures another person or persons. If you are liable for injury to another person as a result of a car accident, your Bodily Injury Liability Coverage will help pay for their medical expenses and, if needed, help pay for your legal services. However, it will not help pay for your own medical expenses.
How to Choose Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage is part of most states’ minimum car insurance requirements. With this coverage, you can select what are called “limits.” These limits determine the greatest amount of money your car insurance company will pay in the event that you need to use your coverage. Limits are represented as two numbers, such as $10,000/$20,000. The first amount covers the injury or death of any one person in a single accident, and the second amount covers the injury or death of more than one person in a single accident.
Who Needs Bodily Injury Liability Protection?
Since Bodily Injury Liability is required by law in most states, you’ll want to find out what your state’s minimum car insurance requirements are and also consider your individual circumstances, including your budget.
Example of Bodily Injury Liability Protection
Imagine you’re driving and rear-end the car in front of you. The driver of the other car is complaining of wrist pain, and the passenger has a cut on his forehead. An ambulance takes them to the emergency room. Depending on the amount you select for your Bodily Injury Liability limit, your insurance would pay for the ambulance fee, the other driver’s x-ray, the passenger’s stitches, and other related expenses.
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage for Commercial Vehicles
If you use your vehicle for business purposes, you may need a commercial auto insurance policy that includes Bodily Injury Liability Coverage. Commercial auto policies tend to have higher liability limits than personal auto policies.
Collision Coverage
What is Collision Coverage?
Collision Coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle if it hits another object, overturns in an accident, or is hit by a “hit and run” driver. It’s important to consider your deductible when opting for this coverage.
Who Needs Collision Coverage?
You may want to add Collision Coverage if you are worried about paying for damage to your vehicle. If you’re leasing or financing a car, your contract may require you to carry Collision Coverage. However, for older cars, it may not be cost-effective due to their decreased value.
Example of Collision Coverage
If you lose control of your vehicle on a slick road and roll into the median, Collision Coverage would help pay to have your vehicle fixed or replaced.
Comprehensive Coverage
What is Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage helps protect your vehicle from damages that occur in an event other than a collision. This includes theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and contact with animals.
Who Needs Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive Coverage is not state-required but may be necessary if your vehicle is leased or financed. It can also be valuable if you want to cover potential expenses for repairing or replacing your vehicle due to non-collision incidents.
Example of Comprehensive Coverage
If you hit a deer while driving and damage your fender, Comprehensive Coverage will cover the repairs after you pay your deductible.
Comprehensive Coverage & Commercial Auto Insurance
Comprehensive Coverage can also be included in commercial auto policies to cover vandalism, theft, and other non-collision damages.
Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage
What is Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage?
This coverage helps pay for medical and related expenses if you’re in a car accident and the at-fault driver does not have liability insurance or cannot be identified.
Who Needs Uninsured Motorist Auto Coverage?
Uninsured Motorist Coverage can be crucial if you’re worried about being hit by an uninsured driver. Some states require this coverage, while others allow you to reject it.
Example of Uninsured Motorist Coverage
If you and a friend are injured in a hit-and-run accident, Uninsured Motorist Coverage would help cover the cost of medical treatment and possibly the repair or replacement of your vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage & Commercial Auto Insurance
This coverage can also be included in commercial auto policies to protect you and your employees from uninsured or underinsured drivers.
Roadside Assistance
What is Roadside Assistance?
A Roadside Assistance plan includes services designed to come to your rescue during unexpected roadside emergencies.
What does Roadside Assistance cover?
Direct Auto’s Roadside Assistance program covers 24-hour emergency towing, gas and essential fluid delivery, lockout service, jump starts for dead batteries, mechanical help, and concierge benefits.
How does emergency Roadside Assistance work?
You can become a Roadside Assistance member when you first get car insurance with Direct Auto or when you renew your policy. Then, when you need help, call the Roadside Assistance number to get assistance.
Emergency Protection Plans
Hospital Stay Benefit
This benefit pays cash directly to you for each day you are in the hospital after an accident.
Accident Medical Expense Reimbursement
Reimburses up to $1,000 for out-of-pocket medical expenses after an accident.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment
Pays up to $10,000 for covered injuries or death resulting from an accident.
Ambulance Assistance
Reimburses up to $100 for ambulance expenses.
Mechanical First Aid
Reimburses up to $25 for minor car adjustments needed to safely proceed.
Auto Rental Reimbursement & Lost Personal Effects Coverage
Provides funds for a rental car and up to $300 for lost or damaged personal items in a rental vehicle.
Trip Planning Services & Travel Discounts
Offers trip planning assistance and travel discounts.
Conclusion
Direct Auto Insurance offers a comprehensive range of car insurance coverages to meet the diverse needs of drivers. From basic liability to comprehensive plans, and additional services like Roadside Assistance and Emergency Protection Plans, you can find the right coverage for your situation. Always consider your individual needs, the value of your vehicle, and your financial situation when choosing coverage.
FAQs
- What is the minimum car insurance required by law?
- This varies by state, but most require liability coverage including Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability.
- Can I get car insurance if I have a bad driving record?
- Yes, Direct Auto Insurance offers options for high-risk drivers, though premiums may be higher.
- Do I need Comprehensive and Collision Coverage for an older car?
- It depends on the value of the car and your financial ability to cover repairs or replacement out-of-pocket.
- What should I do if I’m in an accident with an uninsured driver?
- File a police report and contact your insurance company. If you have Uninsured Motorist Coverage, it will help cover your expenses.
- How can I lower my car insurance premium?
- Consider raising your deductible, maintaining a good driving record, and asking about available discounts.