Newsletter

Florida Law Requires Liability Coverage

This is the most important coverage on your auto insurance policy. Liability coverage limits (that’s for the damage you do to others) are written as three numbers, such as 20/40/10. That translates to $20,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $10,000 in property-damage coverage per accident.

Florida law requires certain levels of minimum liability insurance because it’s coverage that pays for damage you do to others. You may have enough coverage to satisfy this requirement but that may not be enough. Bodily-injury liability applies to damages you cause to others. It covers their medical bills and lost wages. Property-damage liability pays to repair or replace property that you destroy. This includes other cars or property, such as fences. It can also pay for “pain and suffering” damages if someone sues you after a car accident — but only up to your liability limits.

However, your financial responsibility may exceed your liability limits. If you cause $65,000 worth of damage and have an insurance limit of $40,000, you’re responsible for the remaining $25,000 and could be sued for it in a court of law. Cotter Insurance recommends you carry $100,000 of bodily injury protection per person and $300,000 per accident. Other insurance industry experts also recommend buying a minimum of $50,000 in property damage liability coverage.

Florida law requires liability coverage.

Please take the time to look at your personal auto policy. Even though I may not be your auto insurance agent, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Collision

Collision coverage pays for damages if your vehicle overturns or if it collides with another vehicle or object. Collision coverage is subject to a deductible amount that you choose. Cotter Newsletter The most frequently selected deductible amount is S500. Select a deductible amount that you are comfortable with — if there is a Collision claim on your policy, this will be the amount you’ll generally be required to pay.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage caused by an event other than a car collision, such as fire, theft, vandalism, hail or flood. Cotter Newsletter Comprehensive also covers damage from hitting an animal and covers the cost of a rental if your car is stolen. Comprehensive coverage is also subject to a deductible amount — usually the same amount you choose for Collision coverage.

Florida Law Requires PIP

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is available in Florida and is commonly referred to as “no-fault” insurance. Cotter Newsletter PIP covers your medical bills and often lost wages.

PIP usually also covers the cost of personal services you must pay someone else to do for you as a result of a car accident.

Medical Payments

Medical Payments coverage applies no matter who is at fault and covers the cost of reasonable and necessary medical care provided to you as a result of an accident.

Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage pays for damages that you are legally entitled to recover for your bodily injury. In general, this coverage provides what you would have received from the other person’s insurance company if that person had insurance. This coverage may also protect you if the person who caused the damage does not have enough insurance.

Rental Reimbursement

If you buy Rental Reimbursement coverage, we will reimburse you for rental car charges incurred while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.

You can only buy Rental Reimbursement coverage if you buy Collision and Comprehensive.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside Assistance covers labor costs incurred at the place where your vehicle becomes disabled as a result of a mechanical/electrical breakdown, dead battery, flat tire or Cotter Newsletter lock-out. We will also help if you run out of gas or other fluid or become stuck in snow or mud within 100 feet of a road or highway. If necessary, Roadside Assistance will cover towing to the nearest qualified repair facility.