A car accident can happen at any time, and your car insurance is there to protect you and possibly others when it does. If you are a driver in New York, you are required to have car insurance. Do you know what’s in your policy?
New York State Requirements
New York is a no-fault state when it comes to car insurance. This means that you can have coverage for medical bills and lost wages from your insurance regardless of who was at fault in an accident. No-fault insurance is also called Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and drivers in New York are required to have a minimum of $50,000 in PIP as part of their insurance policy. In addition, New York requires that drivers have liability insurance. A minimum of $25,000 in liability insurance per person and $50,000 per accident is required. Liability insurance covers the injuries to others if you are at-fault for an accident, and someone was seriously injured. New York law also requires that you have a minimum of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This coverage will protect you if you are injured in an accident caused by a driver who did not have insurance or did not have enough insurance. You can always purchase insurance above the minimum requirements, and many people choose to do so.
Other Available Coverages
While this minimum coverage can be helpful, there are some other optional types of insurance that you can purchase that may be helpful, including:
- Collision Insurance—this insurance covers any damage to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident. If you take out a loan on a vehicle, the lender will likely require that you have collision insurance.
- Comprehensive Coverage—this insurance will cover damage to your vehicle that is caused by forces other than a car accident. It covers things like theft, fire, hail, and vandalism.
- Gap Insurance—if your car is worth less than what remains on your car loan, gap insurance will cover the difference if your vehicle is totaled.
- MedPay—covers medical bills and funeral expenses when PIP has been exhausted.
- Extras—you can also purchase things like rental car coverage and roadside assistance as part of your car insurance plan.
Contact a Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured in a car accident and have questions about your car insurance coverage, you should speak with an experienced car accident attorney. At Bonina & Bonina, P.C., we have been helping car accident victims for over 50 years. Contact us online or call us at 1-888-MEDLAW1 to schedule your free consultation. Home and hospital visits are available. Se habla español.