In the state of Alabama, all drivers must carry auto liability insurance on any car they own and operate. While driving without this mandated liability insurance might result in fines and license revocation, there are still those who either don’t have any car insurance or they don’t have enough insurance to cover the damages they may cause in an auto accident. If you have ever been involved in a car accident with an at-fault driver only to find out the insurance was inadequate or non-existent, you understand how costly it can be for YOU even though you didn’t cause the accident. Find out how to protect yourself from the risk of an auto accident with uninsured/underinsured motorists.
Required Alabama Minimum Limits of Liability
Alabama does require owners of registered vehicles to have an Alabama auto liability insurance policy, but there are minimum limits of liability that can be acquired that still may be unsatisfactory if you cause an auto accident. The car insurance laws must include the following minimum limits of liability:
$25,000 for Bodily Injury (BI) per person, per occurrence
$50,000 for Bodily Injury (BI) total, per occurrence
$25,000 for Property Damage (PD) total, per occurrence
While these amounts are designed to provide liability coverage for injuries and damages to others should you be liable for an auto accident, what happens if you are involved in a car accident with an at-fault driver and you and your passengers suffer catastrophic injuries that result in devastating medical expenses?
Assume the at-fault driver carries the minimum state requirements and your medical bills are over $100,000 and your car value is $50,000. You are only entitled to $25,000 towards your Bodily Injury Claim and $25,000 for your Property Damage Claim. Once the limits of liability for the at-fault driver are exhausted, then what? Without the right type of insurance protection, YOU are held responsible for anything above and beyond the limits of liability of the at-fault driver.
Opt for the Optional UM/UIM Coverage
Uninsured Motorist/Underinsured Motorist Coverage is an optional coverage designed for situations where you are involved in an accident with someone who has no insurance or not enough insurance. Assume the above scenario occurs, if you had this type of coverage on your Alabama auto insurance policy, then you could present a claim for your damages up to the acquired limits of this UM/UIM coverage.
It is important to review your coverage options and limits of liability amounts with your local Alabama independent insurance agent to ensure you have the right type of auto insurance to protect you if you are at fault for an accident or involved with someone driving without insurance or inadequate insurance.
Contact us TODAY at Burkett & Associates Insurance at 256-704-7400 so we can assist you with the type of Alabama insurance protection you need and deserve at an affordable rate. Purchasing an umbrella insurance policy that includes UIM coverage may also be suggested because we understand that having the best protection equates to peace of mind.
