WILL INSURANCE COVER YOUR COSTS FROM A CAR CRASH?

Insurance companies have different slogans, mascots and advertising campaigns, but the goal is the same. They want people to trust them. By making statements about how fast they pay out, how extreme certain claims have been or how devoted they are to their customers, insurance companies try to make themselves seem like helpful, friendly and reliable service providers.

In reality, handling an insurance claim after you get hurt in a car crash can be one of the worst parts of the recovery process. Insurance adjusters are notorious for stonewalling people and refusing to communicate or low-balling those who need substantial compensation. Even if they don’t try to fight you on the claim itself, you may realize that insurance won’t fully cover the costs related to the crash.

MANY DRIVERS IN CALIFORNIA DON’T CARRY ENOUGH PROTECTION

Insurance is expensive, and not everyone’s budget allows for investments in extra coverage. Many drivers on California roads can only afford to purchase the bare minimum coverage required under state law.

California only requires $5,000 worth of property damage coverage. The medical coverage could be as low as $15,000 if one person gets hurt or $30,000 if multiple people are injured in a single crash.

The liability-based system in California generally leaves you at the mercy of the other driver’s insurance policy, although your uninsured and underinsured driver coverage can help. Whether you know there won’t be enough coverage or need to negotiate for a better settlement, expect that dealing with insurance will be one of them are stressful parts of recovering from the crash. An experienced attorney can help.