Car insurance is essential for protecting yourself financially after a car accident, but many drivers aren’t fully aware of what their coverage includes or how to use it. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Raleigh, NC, understanding your car insurance coverage can make all the difference in recovering damages. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of car insurance coverage, what each covers, and how it can impact your claim.
1. Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required in North Carolina for all drivers. It covers the costs of damages or injuries you cause to another driver in an accident where you are at fault. This typically includes property damage and bodily injury to others. However, liability insurance does not cover your own injuries or vehicle damage.
What It Covers:
- Bodily injury to others Property damage to other vehicles or structures
2. Collision Coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who was at fault. While this coverage is not mandatory, it can be highly beneficial if you want to protect your own vehicle from accidents and collisions with objects like guardrails or trees. If you lease or finance your car, collision coverage may be required by the lender.
What It Covers:
- Repair or replacement of your car after a collision Damages to your vehicle, regardless of fault
3. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damages not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. This coverage is especially useful if your car is at risk of non-collision-related damage. Like collision coverage, comprehensive insurance is often required by lenders when financing or leasing a vehicle.
What It Covers:
- Theft, vandalism, or fire damage Damage from natural disasters like hail, floods, or storms
4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance (or enough insurance), uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you. This coverage helps pay for your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver is either uninsured or doesn’t carry sufficient coverage to cover your losses. In North Carolina, this type of coverage is mandatory unless you reject it in writing.
What It Covers:
- Medical bills and lost wages if the at-fault driver is uninsured Damages to your vehicle in the case of an underinsured driver
5. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an optional coverage that pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to an accident, no matter who is at fault. It is designed to cover immediate costs and may also extend to passengers in your vehicle. While not required in North Carolina, PIP can provide additional protection in the aftermath of an accident.
What It Covers:
- Medical bills for you and your passengers Lost wages due to your injuries
Conclusion
Understanding your car insurance coverage is essential after a car accident in Raleigh. The right coverage can help protect you from unexpected costs and ease the financial burden during recovery. If you need assistance navigating your insurance claim or recovering damages after a car accident, our experienced car accident lawyers in Raleigh are here to help. Contact us today for a consultation.