Boston Injury Attorney Blog
Massachusetts car insurance policies and the rules governing them can be pretty confusing and complicated, particularly because the state requires your car insurance to be aligned with a “no-fault” system and also follow certain coverage limits.
The experts at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C., shall advise and explain you on how insurance policies work and shall assist you if you have any questions or concerns.
Understanding Your Car Insurance Policy
Massachusetts follows a no-fault insurance system. According to this system, your own car insurance coverage following a car accident provides for medical treatment and other out-of-pocket losses incurred by anyone covered by the policy up to the limits of coverage, irrespective of who caused the car crash.
In the case of a loss that is covered by your policy, the terms ‘car insurance limits’ and ‘coverage limits’ apply to what amount the insurer can pay. When an accident takes place, the larger the limits are, the more the insurer will pay and the less you will pay, so the more it will cost your policy. Carrying lower limits will minimize the premium payments, but in the case of an injury, it still includes the risk that you may be responsible for increased out-of-pocket expenses.
It may seem tough and complicated but with the help of a lawyer the process is smooth. It is a personal choice to balance financial risk and the expense of your strategy, and it’s one that should be focused on your own particular needs. In the case of a crash or even a complete loss, think about the worth of your vehicle and the price you’re comfortable paying. If you are so unlucky as to be involved in an accident that involves injuries, then remember your right to pay for medical bills for yourself or another person.
Massachusetts law demands certain coverage and establishes minimum limits on coverage that must be obtained by all drivers. Our Boston Car Accident Lawyers will explain below!
What are the coverage limits?
- Bodily Injury to Others
This protects you from legal liability for accidental injury or death caused by the operation of your vehicle to anyone (not including your passengers), but only if the accident happens in Massachusetts. Up to a basic limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident would cover you.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
It covers up to $8,000 for medical costs, replacement services, and 75% of all lost income. PIP will pay you or someone you let drive your vehicle, anyone living in your home, passengers and pedestrians, regardless of who caused the accident.
- Bodily Injury Caused by Uninsured Auto
This protects you against losses incurred by an uninsured or unidentified (‘hit and run’) driver, or for the person you allow to drive/household members (unless protected by another Massachusetts policy with similar coverage). There is a need for a minimum limit of $20,000 per person and $40,000 per accident. For increased protection, you should consider purchasing higher limits. You may also consider purchasing optional bodily injury coverage caused by an underinsured auto injury (where the at-fault driver has liability insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries).
- Property Damage
This pays for property damage of another person when an accident is caused by you, a household member or another designated driver. It requires a minimum limit of $5,000.
Why is it so important to have a Car Insurance Policy?
For all Massachusetts drivers, car insurance is required. You are required to buy a minimum amount of liability insurance when you own and drive a vehicle in Massachusetts. If you have a car loan (payments are being made), your bank will require you to carry out additional accidents and extensive policies to ensure that if the car is damaged before it is paid for, they will recover the loss. In the incident of damage to your vehicle or liability that occurs while operating your vehicle, auto insurance provides the coverage you need.
In addition to the expenses you incur to maintain your vehicle, the idea of car insurance costs in Massachusetts may seem like an extra expense. In reality, however, having insurance can facilitate you more than you realize. For that very reason, the States have established the minimum required insurance for vehicle owners.
Both parties will often have to get their vehicles repaired when it comes to car crashes and collisions, and the last thing you want is to spend thousands on that. Fortunately, these costs can also be covered by a car insurance policy, regardless of who might be at fault.
The types of auto insurance available involve:
- Liability
This policy is intended to provide coverage for the financial damage of other parties if you are at fault during a crash. Liability offers coverage for both bodily injury and damage to property. In Massachusetts, minimum liability limits are required.
- Comprehensive
This policy is designed to provide coverage for damage to your vehicle that does not involve a collision (like hitting a large animal or when road matter cracks your windshield). This is an optional policy.
- Collision
This policy is intended to provide coverage for damage to your vehicle when an accident involves you, which is at least partly your fault. Usually, collision is optional, but when you have an active car loan, you will probably be required to purchase it.
Consulting a Boston Car Accident Lawyer
The price of raising your insurance premiums is well worth the additional protection in coverage. With the assumption that your insurance provider will cover you in the case of injuries from an accident. However, there are instances that your claim may be denied or minimized by the insurance provider and in such an event, you need an attorney to defend you.
If you are facing a dispute with an insurance provider or you want to discuss a case pertaining to your car insurance policy, it is important to consult with a Boston car accident lawyer at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C today.