How Much Auto Insurance Is Enough?

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Maryland law requires that licensed drivers carry at least $30,000 in vehicular insurance. In a serious collision, the hospital bill for a single day might surpass that threshold. So, what do you do if you’re injured in a crash and the other driver has the minimum in insurance or, worse, no insurance at all?

A little in-person investigation at the scene can help answer some of these questions. Of course, it’s important to gather as many facts as possible. Do not trust your memory. Write down the name, address, telephone number, license plate number, driver's license number, date of birth, owner of vehicle (if different from driver), employment information (if other driver is working), insurance carrier, with policy number, and any other available information with respect to the other driver. The law requires that a driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance carrier information be shown by persons involved in a collision. Make sure to obtain the name, address and phone numbers of any witnesses. The police report number, if any, will be most important. If circumstance allows, photographs of the scene, vehicle and your injuries should be taken.

We all maintain insurance to protect us and our families from financial ruin should we be involved in a collision. Insurance also protects us from similar catastrophic losses, should the at-fault driver be uninsured or underinsured. Liability insurance pays for the damage caused by you. This includes vehicle repairs, medical bills, lost wages and non-economic damages. Uninsured motorist coverage reimburses you for these losses when caused by a driver lacking insurance.

Maryland insurance minimums are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000. The first number, $30,000, represents the maximum benefits payable under the policy to a single injured person. The second number, $60,000, is the total payable to all injured persons, regardless of the number. The final figure represents the maximum payable under a minimum policy for property damage, which is $15,000 in Maryland.

As noted above, $30,000 could be the first day’s bill for emergency care in a bad collision. Accordingly, you need to think about how much insurance you should cover to protect your assets, like house, investments, savings and, most important, you and your loved ones.

I recommend at least $300,000 in liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Your uninsured motorist coverage should match your liability coverage. Consider higher limits should your assets exceed that figure.

If you are injured in a car collision, you will have many questions. You should consult with an attorney who is familiar with this area of the law and who will assist you in making informed decisions. David Diggs is experienced in all facets of tort litigation. If you need further information regarding this subject, contact The Law Office of David V. Diggs LLC, located at 8684 Veterans Highway, Suite 302, in Millersville, by calling 410-244-1189 or by emailing david@diggslaw.com. The staff is fully vaccinated.

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