Personal Injury Protection

1. What Does "Reasonable and Necessary" Mean?
When reading the terms of your personal injury liability coverage, you may notice payments are authorized for "reasonable and necessary" medical expenses. The definition of "reasonable and necessary" may vary depending on your coverage, but the basic idea is that you are covered for treatment considered typical for your type of car accident-related injury. If you see a medical specialist when your case wouldn't normally require it, your personal injury claims may not be paid unless you can demonstrate the expense was necessary.

You may need a statement from a doctor or hospital staff explaining why an unusual or out-of-the-ordinary type of care was dictated if you are concerned your claim might be refused. The good news? Many care providers are experienced with coordinating care with auto insurance personal injury protection and can address specific concerns to the satisfaction of the insurers. Many states allow you to submit a disputed claim for mediation in the event your personal injury claims are rejected and you disagree with the reasons. Top

2. I Need to Make a Claim. How Do I Get Paid?
For personal injury claims, getting your benefits paid is naturally a top priority. Every state has different laws, and your insurance policy may demand a specific claim procedure. It's important to know what your insurer expects you to do before you can get paid. As a general rule of thumb, you should notify your insurance company in writing as soon as possible after an accident. Do this in addition to filing any forms required to make a personal injury claim. Chances are you will need a standard online or hard copy form, complete with your police report number. In some cases you may need a copy of the report itself. Request your police report as soon as possible after an accident to avoid a delay in filing your claim.

It doesn't matter if you file a third party claim or send in your own personal injury claim, officially notify your insurance company quickly. If you don't properly alert your insurance company, the insurer may have difficulty getting your personal injury claim paid in time to avoid late payments -- this can cost you in late fees and other costs. These expenses may not be covered under your personal injury claim settlement. Top

3. Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage Mandatory?
In some states it is a requirement for drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage, especially if you operate a vehicle as part of your business. Depending on your state, uninsured motorist coverage can be offered in three separate policies including uninsured, under-insured, and uninsured motorist property damage coverage. The first two policies cover personal injury claims, any lost wages, plus payment for your pain and suffering. The third type of coverage, uninsured motorist property damage coverage, addresses the bills for the damage to your vehicle. Depending on the terms of your uninsured motorist coverage, you may also be able to collect a claim if your vehicle was damaged by a hit-and-run driver.

If you are involved in a hit-and-run, file a police report immediately and don't leave the scene of the incident until the authorities tell you to go. Even if you are the only vehicle left at the scene, stay until you're told to leave. This adds credibility to your claim. Uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in all states, so uninsured motorist property damage coverage may not be available where you live. If it is available, it adds some extra protection and peace of mind. Top

4. Are There Restrictions on Coverage Amounts for Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
In your state, you may have a restriction on your uninsured motorist coverage or under-insured motorist coverage. Does your insurance separate your policy out into under-insured and uninsured motorist coverage? Some of these policies feature a restriction on the maximum payout, and cannot exceed the amount of bodily injury coverage. That's why it is important to consider your auto insurance personal injury protection and other coverages as parts of a larger whole. They should be purchased at the same time so these coverages can work together for you where applicable after an accident.

When possible, choose your coverages at the same time rather than starting with a basic policy and adding coverages piecemeal later on. Customize your protection limits, set higher deductibles and get complete insurance protection -- you can always lower those deductibles later when you can afford to do so. Don't leave out important protections if you can avoid it. Personal injury coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and other protection are all vital parts of your insurance strategy. Top

5. Personal Injury Protection and Duplicate Coverages
When you are shopping for personal injury coverage, take stock of the other insurance coverages you currently have. Your health insurance, disability insurance and other protection may duplicate or overlap your personal injury protection. Have a careful look at the terms of all your policies to see where any overlap might occur and change your policies to eliminate double coverage. Insurance laws are designed to prevent duplicate payments and regardless of where you scale back your coverages, you can save money on all your insurance policies by arranging them to complement one another. You can also try to consolidate all your insurance coverage under one company to save money and simplify the reporting process if you get into an accident. Those who don't carry health insurance should definitely carry personal injury coverage and uninsured motorist coverage. Top

6. Personal Injury Discounts
Are you looking for discounted rates on your auto insurance personal injury protection? Depending on your insurance company, you could be eligible for discounted premiums if your car has an air bag. Some companies offer up to 25% off for a driver's side air bag, and as much as 40% for full front seat air bag protection. The reason? Air bags can reduce your medical bills by preventing injury, which means less money paid out in personal injury claims. When you help the insurer save money, those savings can be passed on to you with lower premiums.