Helping You Protect Your Rights
There are so many different insurance policies to choose from that you may be tempted to simply go along with what your insurance company recommends. After all, the insurance agent's job is to make sure you have the coverage you need, right? Unfortunately, insurance companies are looking out for their own interests more than they are looking out for consumers.
At Rosato Law Offices in Downingtown and State College, we advise clients on insurance coverage selection. Choosing the right auto insurance policy to protect you in case of a car accident, truck accident or any other accident is an important part of securing your future.
To speak with an experienced attorney about your insurance questions, call 888-860-2216 or contact our law firm online.
Making the Most of Your Insurance Coverage
Full Tort or Limited Tort
Your insurer will ask whether you want full tort or limited tort coverage. If you choose limited tort and are then involved in an accident, you will not be able to make a claim for pain and suffering compensation unless you suffer a "serious injury." In Pennsylvania, "serious injury" means very serious injury. Essentially, if you have limited tort coverage, you will not be compensated for pain and suffering unless you are permanently disfigured or the function of part of your body is seriously impaired. We recommend full tort coverage for these reasons, and because limited coverage only saves about 10 percent on your premiums.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
UM/UIM coverage is the most important type of auto insurance available. It protects you and anyone in your car. If you are injured by a person who has no insurance, or does not have enough to pay your claim, your UM/UIM coverage will pay your expenses up to your policy limit.
Here is an example: You are injured by someone with $15,000 of insurance coverage, the minimum required in Pennsylvania. Your claim is worth $100,000. If you have a UIM policy of $100,000, your insurance company will pay the remaining $85,000 that you are owed.
Stacking UM/UIM Insurance
Pennsylvania law allows you to "stack" your UM/UIM coverage. This is an inexpensive way to greatly increase the amount of your insurance coverage. Stacking allows you to collect the UM/UIM coverage limits for each vehicle covered by your policy. Let's modify the above example a bit:
You are injured by someone with the minimum $15,000 of insurance. This time, your claim is worth $300,000. You own three cars, and you have purchased $100,000 of UM/UIM coverage for each vehicle. If you chose to stack your coverage, you will be able to collect $100,000 from each vehicle, even the two vehicles that were not involved in the accident. This would give you enough compensation to cover your claim.
Insurers will frequently ask you to waive the stacking option. We strongly advise against waiving this coverage.
Free Consultation — Contact a Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyer
For a free consultation to discuss your insurance related questions, call 888-860-2216 or contact us online. We offer weekend, evening and offsite appointments.
