Texas Car Insurance: What You Need to Know
Purchasing a car is a big decision, but picking the right car insurance can be an even bigger one. Car insurance can help to protect you financially after an auto accident by covering the other driver’s damages, which can include car repairs and medical expenses.
With the right coverage, damages to your car can also be taken care of. Learn what you need to know about Texas car insurance from your Edinburg car accident attorney.
What Types of Auto Coverages Are Available?
Deciding what type of auto coverage to get can be quite overwhelming. There are so many options that offer a wide variety of coverage.
Knowing what each insurance type covers can help you make the best decision for your policy. The eight types of auto insurance coverage available include:
Liability — Liability coverage pays for the repair of the other driver’s car if the crash was your fault. This coverage also pays for the driver’s and passengers’ medical bills and any other expenses that may come up. Under Texas law, you are required to have at least $30,000 worth of coverage for injuries per person, up to $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Collision — Collision coverage pays for the repair or replacement of your vehicle after a crash.
Comprehensive — Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your car that were not caused by a collision. This means you’ll be covered if your car is stolen, damaged by a fire, flood, or vandalism.
Medical Payments — Medical payment coverage pays for you and your passengers’ medical bills. It will also cover your medical expenses if you were riding in someone else’s vehicle, walking, or riding a bike.
Personal Injury Protection — Like medical payment coverage, this protection covers you and your passengers’ medical expenses. It also pays for lost wages and other nonmedical costs. In Texas, all auto policies include personal injury protection.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist — This coverage pays if you were hit by someone who does not have insurance or enough to cover the damages. It will also pay in the event of a hit-and-run accident.
Towing and Labor — Towing and labor coverage pays for your vehicle to be towed as well as labor to change a flat tire or jump-start your car.
Rental Reimbursement — This coverage pays for you to rent a car if your own vehicle was stolen or undergoing repair after an accident.
If you still have questions regarding certain auto coverages, speak to an experienced car accident attorney to walk you through each type. Understanding each coverage can help you make the right choice for your vehicle and policy.
Auto Claims
Now that you have the insurance you want, it’s important to know how to use it after an accident. To start an auto claim, follow these steps:
Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, and license plate number.
Give the driver that same information about you.
Collect the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any crash witnesses.
Call the police so they can develop an official crash accident report, which is essential documentation when making a claim.
Note the time, date, and exact location of the accident.
Tell your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible.
Send the insurance company copies of the police accident report.
Notify your insurance company if you were injured.
Once you file, your insurance company has 15 days to notify you that your claim was received. After the company has gotten all the information needed, they have another 15 days to accept or reject your claim. If your claim has been accepted, a check will be sent within 5 business days.
However, there are many instances in which an insurance company may not pay out everything that is owed to you. In these instances, it is critical to obtain the guidance of an experienced Edinburg car accident attorney. They can represent you in your dealings with an insurance company and help to ensure that you receive the compensation that you are owed.