Why is Having Car Insurance So Important?
Following a car accident, many people lack the financial resources to adequately tend to their physical and emotional needs. If you are underinsured or insured, you may not be able to adequately cover your medical expenses and other accident-related losses. In South Carolina, not having adequate coverage can pose serious issues, preventing you from paying the other driver’s damages if you are found at fault.
In this blog, our Anderson car accident attorneys discuss the benefits of having car insurance as a South Carolina motorist.
Protects You Against At-Fault Claims
South Carolina is an at-fault state when it comes to motor vehicle claims. So, if you are deemed at fault in a crash, other drivers will file claims with your insurance company. Under South Carolina law, you are required to carry the following minimum liability coverage:
- $25,000 for bodily injury claims per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury claims of two or more people
- $25,000 for property damage
Many people do not understand their auto policy limits or coverage, so it is wise to consult with an Anderson car accident attorney if you have been involved in a collision. A car accident attorney can review your policy and answer any questions you may have concerning what your insurer will pay out.
Covers Your Medical Expenses
Even if you are found at fault for a car accident, you may still sustain injuries, which may be serious depending on the severity of the collision. If you do not have adequate coverage, you may be forced to pay your medical bills out of your own pocket. Medical bills can rack up quickly following an auto accident, so it is important that you have liability insurance to cover any trips to the emergency room, surgeries, and physical therapy appointments.
Covers Your Vehicle Repairs or Vehicle Replacement
If you are found at fault in the accident and your vehicle was damaged, minimum liability coverage in South Carolina covers up to $25,000 in repairs. If you are driving an older car or your vehicle sustained severe damage, your insurer may pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of your car rather than repairing it. Your insurance carrier will consider your car “totaled” if the repairs exceed 75% of the car’s ACV.
Covers Property Damage Due to Other Reasons
Not all property damage is caused by an accident. South Carolina insurers offer additional coverage options, including collision and comprehensive coverage. Whereas collision coverage covers you for damage that your vehicle sustains when colliding with a stationary object or another vehicle, comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle against fire, vandalism, flooding, theft, falling objects, and collisions with animals. While not required by law, your lender may mandate it.
Offers You Financial Protection
You cannot rely on other drivers to carry the required amount of insurance. Under South Carolina Code §38-77-160, your insurance carrier must offer you the option of purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage.
Purchasing uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you in the event that you are hit by an uninsured driver. UM/UIM coverage will match the same policy limits as the insured’s liability insurance. If there is a statutory cap on damages, UM/UIM coverage will pay any damages more than that amount.
Reach Out to an Anderson Car Accident Attorney Today
While having car insurance may offer you peace of mind, obtaining counsel will safeguard your rights. If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, our Anderson car accident attorneys are here to recover the compensation you need. To learn how our legal team can assist you, call us or contact us online to schedule your consultation.