TYPES OF AUTO INSURANCE COVERAGE
Have you ever actually tried to read through an auto insurance policy? There's a reason that books about insurance don’t make it to the best sellers list: policies are long, complicated, boring, and sometimes seem to be written in a language that only an insurance professional can understand.
So that you can better understand your Texas auto policy, here's a quick, easy guide to the types of coverage’s available in Texas.
Liability
If you cause an accident, liability coverage is what will pay for the other person's damages. There are two types of liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury, often abbreviated as BI on your policy, pays for the other person's medical bills. Property damage, PD for short, covers the cost to repair or replace any property that you damage, including the other person's vehicle. Liability coverage will not pay for your vehicle or for your medical expenses.
Uninsured Motorists
Often appearing as UM/UIM on your policy, this coverage protects you from damage caused by a motorist who doesn't have insurance if they are at fault in the accident. It will also protect you if the other driver is at fault and has insurance, but isn't carrying high enough liability limits to completely cover repairs or medical bills. UM/UIM also covers hit-and-run accidents if you call the police. In Texas, if you don't want to carry this coverage, you must provide your insurance company with a signed statement rejecting it.
Collision Coverage
If you are in an accident and it's your fault, collision coverage is what would pay to repair or replace your vehicle. Collision coverage carries a deductible, which is the amount that you have to pay out of your own pocket if there is a loss. Insurers offer different deductible options: usually $50, $250, $500, and $1000. The lower the deductible is on your policy, the higher the premium. One more thing about collision coverage: It will only pay out the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. In most cases, this is significantly less than what you paid for the car when you bought it, because the car depreciates in value as you drive it. Collision coverage is required if there is a lean holder on your vehicle.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage, known as "comp" to insurance companies, covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if a loss occurs due to something other than a collision. Comprehensive coverage would cover your vehicle if it were stolen, damaged in a storm, hit by a meteor, etc...Like collision coverage, you have to choose a deductible that you agree to pay before the coverage kicks in. Also, like collision, comprehensive coverage will never pay out more than the Actual Cash Value of the vehicle. Financing companies and leasing companies require that you carry comprehensive coverage on your vehicle. In most cases, you have to have comprehensive coverage on a vehicle before you can be eligible for collision.
Gap
Remember, comprehensive and collision coverage only pay up to the actual cash value of the insured vehicle. If you bought your car brand new, there is a strong possibility that your car could depreciate in value more quickly than you are able to pay for it. In these cases, GAP coverage comes to the rescue, paying the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and the amount you still owe on the loan. Check your loan agreement before you choose this coverage-most financing companies offer their own GAP coverage, so you may already be paying for it as part of your monthly car payment.
Other Coverage
Some insurance companies offer additional coverage’s such as OEM parts replacement and accident and forgiveness. OEM parts replacement coverage will guarantee your carrier will pay for OEM parts on their repair estimate and accident forgiveness will reduce you deductible amount for not having an accident claim in a set calendar period. Other coverage’s may include towing and labor or rental reimbursement. Towing and labor pays for a tow truck, locksmith or similar expenses. It will not pay to have your vehicle repaired in the event of a breakdown. Rental reimbursement reimburses you for a rental car if you are in an accident that is your fault. Check with you insurance company for a complete list of coverage’s available on your policy.
Know Your Rights
Texas has a Consumer Bill of Rights for auto insurance. Your insurance company must send you a copy with your policy. Read it to understand your rights under Texas law.
