The Importance of Understanding Insurance Policy Limits

Every insurance policy features a cap, called a “policy limit”. When we are shopping for insurance, we are encouraged to buy coverage that will step in to pay when we are involved in an accident, either by the fault of us or by someone else. If we are working with a caring agent, they will educate us on the importance of a sufficient policy limit so that we aren’t left exposed in the event either we are struck by another driver, or if we, unfortunately, strike and injure someone else.

Unfortunately, many people are simply searching for the cheapest available insurance coverage. Most of the major insurance carriers offer these limits, and in Puyallup and throughout the state of Washington, policy limits are only $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that if you are riding with your family and the four of you are injured, there is a maximum of $50,000 to cover your entire family, regardless of the severity of their injuries. It is important to know about this exposure when it comes to making smart insurance decisions yourself. Just one trip to the emergency room can surpass the $25,000/$50,000 policy limit- our office sees it all the time.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists

Washington is the 13th most common state for people to be driving entirely uninsured in. Especially in areas of lower income, it is frequent for our clients to be the victims of being struck by someone with no insurance. This often leaves the victim without means for being compensated for medical bills, pain and suffering, and the other compensation you deserve. Thus, the importance of uninsured and underinsured coverage…

Uninsured/Underinsured motorists coverage saves the day for people who are struck by the fault of another who either has no coverage at all or insufficient policy limits to cover your damages. It is vitally important to protect yourself with uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage through your own auto insurance policy.

UM & UIM coverages are most commonly sold with the following policy limits options:

• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident
• $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
• $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident

While some of the above numbers might look big, we encourage each person to insure themselves with at least $100,000 in coverage per person and $300,000 per accident. This will ensure that even if you are struck by someone without insurance, you will still have your medical bills and pain and suffering taken care of at full value in most cases. If you do require surgery or more serious medical procedures, more coverage is better. Better safe than sorry! Our office commonly resolves cases not involving surgery for policy limits up to $100,000.

Questions on Insurance Policy Limits?

If you or someone you know needs this advice, we encourage you to share, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions on insurance coverage and insurance policy limits. We fight insurance companies daily, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want our clients well-insured and sleeping easy. Contact our Puyallup office to learn more 253-286-7444.