Understanding Your Auto Coverage
You know if you have a car, you need auto insurance. However, you’re probably not thinking about what kind of coverage you have until you need it. From protecting your car, to protecting your passengers and any prized possessions along for the ride, it’s good to know your ERIE policy has you covered for life’s little mishaps.
Say your daughter forgets your car is parked right behind her in the driveway or a deer doesn’t wait his turn to cross the street, we’ll make sure you’re back on the road as soon as possible. In the moments after an accident, so many things are happening that you may feel overwhelmed. Thinking about what you auto policy covers shouldn’t be one of them.
Common Coverages
Depending on your state’s requirements for auto insurance and what limits and options you pick, your auto policy can include up to six common coverages.
You Cause an Accident and Someone Gets Hurt: If you cause an accident and other people are injured due to your negligence, bodily injury liability coverage is what protects you against their claims for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. (Talk to your ERIE Agent to learn more and to determine what limits are best for your situation.)
You Need Medical Treatment: If you or others covered on your policy are injured in an accident while occupying your vehicle, there’s a coverage that reimburses for medical treatment. It’s called medical payments coverage or personal injury protection.
Not Enough to Go Around: Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (optional in some states) is for your protection. If you are injured by a hit-and-run driver or a driver who does not have auto liability insurance, you’re covered by uninsured motorist coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage pays when the other person doesn’t have enough coverage to cover the entire cost of your injury claim.
Financial Security Blanket:Comprehensive (or “Comp” for short) insurance provides financial protection for your car from loss to due to fire, theft or damage not caused by a collision (for example, hitting that deer we mentioned earlier).
Crash Helmet: Collision coverage is used when your car collides with another car or object, or flips over. So if you have a newer vehicle, are on a lease or still owe on your car loan, you would definitely want comp and collision.
To take a look at your current coverage, contact your ERIE Agent.
Read more about Understanding Your Auto Coverage:
Valuable Auto Insurance Discounts
Added Options to Enhance Your Auto Insurance Policy
Visible ERIE "Xtras" Included with Your Auto Policy
