Why a Lapse in Coverage Can Have Serious Results

Letting your auto insurance policy lapse does not seem to be that serious a matter on the surface. Unfortunately, it is not only illegal to drive without insurance; it can also have much more serious consequences than a ticket for driving without insurance. A lapse in auto insurance can have far-reaching results with the potential to affect your entire life.

The Legal Aspect

All drivers are required by law to carry a minimum liability policy in order to get behind the wheel. This protects all of the drivers on the road by ensuring that in the event of an accident, the at-fault party will have insurance to pay for the damage. If you are pulled over and found to be driving without insurance, you will be given a ticket and may face even more serious legal consequences, depending on the state in which you reside.

Financial Consequences

If you are involved in an accident where you are found to be at fault, and there is no insurance to pay the damages, you will be responsible. In a serious accident with a lot of property damage and injuries, this can add up really quickly. You may not have the thousands of dollars to pay the bills, but with a judgment against you your wages can be garnished and other assets placed in danger, including your home. Not paying that insurance premium can lead to paying off a huge amount of money for the rest of your life.

Future Insurance Premiums

Some insurance companies will not take insure someone who does not have previous insurance, while others will simply charge you a higher premium. A lapse in your old policy can mean that you will no longer qualify for the rates you were getting before. You will lose discounts including longevity with your insurance company, and will be treated as a higher risk to the company. You may also have to make a new down payment or pay reinstatement fees. It can take a while to work your way back up to getting the better rates reserved for the company’s best customers. Some insurance companies may also have a limit on the number of times you can lapse before they refuse to reinstate you.

A lapse in your insurance policy can be much more costly than had you simply continued to pay your premiums. If you are having trouble paying your insurance bill, talk to your agent about ways to reduce your rates, rather than allowing a lapse to occur.

What Is Minimum Coverage And Do I Need More?

Minimum auto insurance coverage, in most cases, is not enough to ensure that you are completely protected from the financial and legal responsibilities that may result if you were ever to be involved in a car accident. Here are some facts about minimum car insurance coverage and whether it is enough for you.

What Does Minimum Coverage Include?

Minimum coverage is just that-the minimum. The amount of coverage you need to be legally insured as a driver. It covers you for a very specific amount of liability for any damage you may cause to others’ property, or for any medical expenses and lost wages that may incur as a result of an accident in which you are at fault. It does not provide you with any coverage for your own property or medical expenses for you and your passengers. In many cases the minimum amount of liability insurance may also not be enough if you are involved in a serious accident, and you will be personally responsible for the amount it costs beyond your coverage.

What Should My Minimum Coverage Really Be?

If you want to keep yourself protected as a driver, but still do not want to pay the high premiums, what types of coverage should you have? In general, it is smart to be sure you have both collision coverage, which will pay for repairs to your vehicle, and comprehensive coverage, which will protect you from natural disasters, theft, or vandalism in addition to your minimum liability coverage. This will protect you from out of pocket expenses for repairs to your own vehicle and any medical expenses you may incur. To keep your insurance expenses under control, choose the highest deductible you can afford.

The purpose of any type of insurance is to protect you from the expenses of unforeseen and unavoidable life events. Choosing coverage that provides the right protection is important, and finding a balance between protection and cost is the best way to do this.

What Is Minimum Coverage And Do I Need More?

Minimum auto insurance coverage, in most cases, is not enough to ensure that you are completely protected from the financial and legal responsibilities that may result if you were ever to be involved in a traffic accident. Here are some facts about minimum car insurance coverage and whether it is enough for you.

What Does Minimum Coverage Include?

Minimum coverage is just that – the minimum. The amount of coverage you need to be legally insured as a driver varies depending on where you live. But in most cases it covers you for a very specific amount of liability for any damage you may cause to others’ property, or for any medical expenses they incur as a result of an accident in which you are at fault. It does not provide you with any coverage for your own property or medical expenses. In many cases the minimum amount of liability insurance may also not be enough if you are involved in a serious accident, and you will be personally responsible for the amount it costs beyond your coverage.

What Should My Minimum Coverage Really Be?

If you want to keep yourself protected as a driver, but still do not want to pay the high premiums, what types of coverage should you have? In general, it is smart to be sure you have both collision coverage, which will pay for repairs to your vehicle, and comprehensive coverage, which will protect you from natural disasters, theft, or vandalism in addition to your minimum liability coverage. This will protect you from out of pocket expenses for repairs to your own vehicle and any medical expenses you may incur. To keep your insurance expenses under control, choose the highest deductible you can afford.

The purpose of insurance of any kind is to protect you from the expenses of unforeseen and unavoidable life events. Choosing coverage that does this is important, and finding a balance between protection and cost is the best way to do this.