A Seasoned Lawyer Clarifies How Insurance Protects You.

When you’re a lawyer, people ask you lots of questions on a wide range of subjects. One of the most prevalent questions is, “how much car insurance should I carry.” It’s a good question because car insurance can play a critical role in protecting you if you’re at fault or a victim in an auto accident. Keep in mind that Virginia law doesn’t require drivers to carry insurance, as long as they pay the $500 Uninsured Motor Vehicle Fee to the DMV. This means that you want to have enough coverage in case the other driver is uninsured. With that in mind, here are several types of insurance to consider for comprehensive coverage:

  • Liability Insurance: This is mandatory in Virginia if you carry any sort of auto insurance. If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will kick in to cover the medical and property expenses associated with the accident. There is typically a cap to that coverage so if the expenses exceed your coverage, you are personally responsible for the difference.
  • Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you if an uninsured driver hits your car. It will help to pay any medical bills and property damage caused by the accident. This coverage comes with a capped limit so it may not cover the entire cost of an extended hospital stay.
  • Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Suppose you’re hit by somebody with insurance, but not enough to cover your hospital bills and vehicle expenses. If their coverage covers $25,000 of a $100,000 hospital bill, your insurance will foot the other $75,000.

What’s The Magic Number?

After decades of representing clients in personal injury cases in Virginia, we recommend you carry no less than $300,000 worth of coverage. An accident that results in a combination of medical expenses and property damage can cost you thousands, which is why comprehensive coverage starts at $300,000. Do you need more information from an experienced lawyer serving Virginia clients? Contact our Harrisonburg and Staunton legal team to learn more.