Irrespective of where you live in the United States, the law requires you to have car insurance. Even if it weren’t a mandatory obligation, it would be prudent to have coverage, because accidents happen.
In the District of Columbia, the minimum official requirements for car insurance coverage are:
- Liability insurance
- UMPD: Uninsured motorist property damage
- UMBI: Uninsured motorist bodily injury, in the amounts of $25,000 and $50,000 per person and per accident, respectively.
What Do These Definitions Mean?
Liability Insurance
If you are the reason an accident occurs and you have liability insurance cover the other driver’s expenses will be covered by your policy.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage
If another driver causes an accident and doesn’t have sufficient cover in place to repair your vehicle, you may lodge a claim with your insurance company to cover the costs under your UMPD coverage.
It also covers other assets such as property fences If your car or property is damaged by a hit-and-run driver, you will also be allowed to institute a claim under your UMPD cover.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury
UMPD cover assists with the payment of medical expenses if you are physically harmed in an accident and require medical attention. If the liable driver doesn’t have sufficient coverage in place to pay for your medical expenses, you may file a claim under your UMPD cover.
Statistical Support
According to statistics, out of all road users drivers have the highest death toll in the United States. That’s right! There are more driver fatalities in the USA than pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists.
Finding Out More
With so many brokers out there and insurance options to choose from, things can be confusing. We recommend seeking the knowledge of experts in the field of car insurance, such as Edmonton car insurance brokers.
A well-informed broker will always assess your specific risks, calculate your coverage requirements accordingly, and inform you of any changes to insurance requirements that may affect you.
Costs for Coverage
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the costs of insurance premiums. Your broker will take various factors into account. These include your age, driving history, residential neighborhood, and even marital status. Remember that if your information changes always inform your insurance broker immediately, it could positively affect your premium.
Some insurance companies will allow you to add additional drivers to your policy. Once the new driver’s risks have been assessed, you may see an increase (or a discount) in your policy.
Another way to look at saving on your insurance cover is to combine your vehicle insurance with your home cover. Chat to your insurance expert today to find out more.
In Conclusion
It’s always best practice to seek the advice of a professional. By doing this, you can rest easy knowing you have the correct coverage and aren’t spending more than you need.
Stay on the right side of the law (and fate) by having vehicle insurance in place. It can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.