Will my Car Insurance Coverage Cover Medical Bill Due to an Accident
Reader’s Question:
My son was in an accident while driving my car in Minnesota. The other driver was declared to be at fault. We are from Wisconsin, and he only went there to visit an aunt. Will my car insurance policy still cover for his medical bills since Minnesota is a no-fault state and the accident happened there?
Jennifer
Milwaukee, WI
Normally when driving out of your licensing state, in this case Wisconsin, your car insurance can be expected to follow the laws of the state in which you happen to be driving in. Minnesota happens to be a no-fault state. This simply means that those involved in an accident make their claims through their own car insurance, specifically the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy.
If your son doesn’t have his own car insurance, you, the car owner, will have to carry the burden through your own car insurance. Following the Minnesota PIP, you son is entitled to coverage of medical costs, replacement, wage loss, and even funeral expenses up to two thousand dollars. The minimum coverage amount is forty thousand dollars. Broken down, that’s twenty thousand dollars for medical expenses and the other twenty thousand for non-medical expenses. If things happen to cost more than this PIP limit, you or your son can claim against the other motorist’s liability coverage since he or she has been declared liable.
If you need more information and advice regarding claims for out-of-state accidents, don’t hesitate to contact the Minnesota Department of Commerce, which is the agency that regulates insurance in that state. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, the insurance regulator for your state.’
Minimum Auto Insurance for a Used Car
Reader’s Question:
Hello out there! I plan on buying a used car here in Wisconsin. Is it okay if I just get the minimum auto insurance required? Do I still have to get the add-ons my auto insurance agent suggests that I buy, too?
Mandy
Madison, WI
Hey there Mandy! Most people will purchase a used vehicle to save on the costs of down payments and monthly payments, which would be higher than if you were to purchase a new vehicle. But just because your vehicle isn’t brand-new, this does not mean that you have to be stingy with the auto insurance that you get. Of course, it would be practical if the comprehensive auto insurance and collision damage insurance premiums you sign up for cover just the amount you need for repairs or replacement of your vehicle. You may want to increase your deductibles for these types of insurance to lower your premiums. However for property damage liability and personal injury liability insurance, it is not practical at all to get just the minimum amounts of auto insurance coverage. Imagine what would happen if you got in a really bad accident. Would the minimum amounts be enough to pay for the damages? Will it be enough to pay for the medical expenses of any of the injured parties?
You may think that sticking to the minimum auto insurance requirements will save you some money right now, but getting more coverage will most likely pay off in case you do get into an accident. I suggest you try visiting some sites online that offer affordable auto insurance in Wisconsin.
Auto Insurance Claim – Why You Need To Report Accidents
Reader’s Question:
I’m from Milwaukee, WI. I got hit recently by another driver who was clearly at fault. He offered me to pay in cash for the damages rather than make a claim on his car insurance; is that okay?
Karen
Milwaukee, WI
It’s a bad idea to accept cash if you’re injured or if you even have a hint of being injured. Your PIP coverage should pay for your medical expenses and any lost wages that you may incur if you’re injured. Once your PIP is consumed, your health insurance will kick in and pay for the rest of your expenses. You can sue the at-fault driver to pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and any lost wages as a result of the crash if you do not have PIP or health insurance.
On the other hand, never take money on the spot if you choose to accept the other driver’s cash offer for the physical damage to your car. Be sure to know exactly how much it will cost to repair your vehicle. You could end up paying for a portion of the repairs yourself if you don’t get an accurate estimate, Say for example, the other driver offers you $1,000 to pay for damages and you later receive an estimate showing that the total cost is $1,500 to repair your car, you may have to kick in $500 of your own pocket.
It is also important for you to carefully examine any documents you may be required to sign that absolve the other driver of any further liability. If the at-fault’s party has consulted an attorney, it is likely that the attorney has drafted a document that will take away your right to sue later. If you are in doubt about signing the document, consult an attorney. Hiring a lawyer is an unavoidable expense that you’ll have to pay for. Always check your policy language for details so it’s advised to contact your Milwaukee, WI insurance agent to have a statute of limitations for reporting accidents.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Wisconsin
Reader’s Question:
Just move to Appleton, Wisconsin and I am hoping someone can give me a smart guide to auto insurance requirements here.
Amy
Appleton, WI
Wisconsin might have very different requirements from where you came from and I can give you just some basics.
Although I strongly recommend that you get complete information concerning auto insurance in Wisconsin residents by calling the Wisconsin Commissioner of Insurance located in Madison.
I know that all Wisconsin residents are required to carry uninsured motorist insurance. This auto insurance will provide recompense for drivers who are involved in an accident for which a driver who does not possess liability insurance is responsible. Without this coverage you would have no other option but to pay for their medical expenses and repair bills yourself and it is a given that they will always attempt to recoup losses from you.
Although, liability auto insurance is not required in Wisconsin, it is strongly suggested that all drivers purchase liability insurance. The prospect of being held financially liable for the gigantic expense of medical and repair bills resulting from an accident in Wisconsin can be a daunting one. Minimum level of liability available in WI is 25/50/10.
This means liabilities are twenty five thousand dollars for injuries suffered by a single driver, fifty thousand dollars for the combined medical expenses of all of the occupants of the vehicle and ten thousand dollars for all property damages, including damage to the vehicle of the victim.
Loading ...