California Lawyer: Auto Insurance Coverage

People assume an auto insurance broker is a professional, and rely on the broker's advice when choosing coverage. Unfortunately, the broker is more frequently interested in earning the highest possible commission than in selling the best policy for the customer's needs. - San Mateo attorney Reuben J. Donig -

What does "full coverage" mean?

Unless you ask the right questions, the broker may not describe all provisions available, what each provision actually provides, why you need it or don't need it, and how much coverage you should carry. In the broker's mind, "full coverage" may be very close to minimum coverage.

Uninsured motorist policy coverage

California law requires your auto insurance policy to include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage unless you specifically, in writing, decline it. Yet this is one of the elements commonly missing from a car insurance policy. You will face underinsured drivers every day on the road, yet your insurance agent, in an effort to underbid the competition, may fail to inform you of the benefits involved in this important coverage. For more information, see Uninsured Motorists: The Answers to Six Important Questions About Your Automobile Insurance Policy

Medical payment (med pay) auto insurance coverage

Medical payment (similar to personal injury protection) provisions in your car insurance policy pay for medical expenses from your own injuries, and injuries to others in your vehicle. A catastrophic injury will quickly exhaust a minimum med pay allowance. Personal injury lawyers suggest carrying the maximum medical payment coverage your policy allows. In combination with your health insurance this will help cover medical expenses from a serious accident.

Health or med pay — which insurance should you use first?

If you have been injured in a car accident, turn your bills in to your health insurance provider first. Even if you later get a settlement and have to reimburse your carrier, your lawyer will be in a better position to negotiate an arrangement that will maximize your actual compensation.

If you would like to speak with attorney Reuben J. Donig about a car accident claim and auto insurance coverage, please call 650.489.0545 or e-mail our San Mateo office to arrange a free consultation.

No attorney fees unless we get results

All cases at our firm are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning that we charge no attorney fees unless our client recovers compensation as a result of our efforts.

Reuben J. Donig
San Mateo, California, Auto Accident Lawyer