What exactly is full coverage? Does it actually mean you’re covered for everything that happens on the road?
“Full coverage” are two words that promise comprehensive roadway protection but often leave car owners scratching their heads in confusion.” at the very beginning
Whether you’re a first-time car owner or a seasoned driver looking to know what’s included in your policy, read on to see what full coverage auto insurance in Montgomery County and everywhere in Pennsylvania entails.
What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?
Contrary to what some might think, “full coverage” isn’t a specific type of insurance policy. Instead, it’s a collective term used to describe a combination of coverages that offer protection against a variety of circumstances.
When people refer to full-coverage auto insurance in Montgomery County, they’re typically talking about a mix of several key coverages. This includes liability coverage (which usually encompasses bodily injury and property damage), comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage.
Some policies might also throw in additional protections like uninsured motorist coverage, gap insurance, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
How Much Does Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost?
The cost of full coverage auto insurance can vary significantly based on several factors.
Your driving record, the make and model of your vehicle, and even where you park your car can influence the price. Additionally, rates can differ from one state to another due to varying regulations, risks, and other local factors.
For drivers in Pennsylvania, the average cost for full coverage auto insurance hovers around $2,040 per year.
It’s worth noting that this is an average figure, and individual rates can be higher or lower based on the specifics of your situation. For instance, a driver with a spotless record might find themselves paying less, while someone with a recent accident might see a higher quote.
Why Montgomery County Drivers Need Full Coverage
Montgomery County, with its blend of urban and suburban landscapes, presents unique roadway challenges and risks for drivers.
Here’s why full coverage auto insurance is essential for those navigating the roads of this region:
- Diverse Driving Conditions: Montgomery County offers a variety of driving environments, from the bustling city streets and busy intersections of Norristown to the serene country roads winding through Pennypack Trail and the picturesque lanes alongside Skippack Creek. Full coverage ensures you’re protected, no matter where your journey takes you.
- Weather Variability: This Pennsylvania county experiences a range of weather conditions, from snowy winters to rainy springs. Comprehensive coverage can protect against damages from weather-related incidents.
- Higher Repair Costs: With the prevalence of newer and more advanced vehicles on the road, repair costs can be steep. Collision coverage can help mitigate these expenses.
- Protection Against Uninsured Drivers: Despite laws requiring auto insurance, some drivers remain uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures you’re not left footing the bill after an accident with one of these drivers.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered for a wide range of scenarios allows you to drive with confidence, focusing on the road ahead rather than potential financial setbacks.
For Montgomery County drivers, investing in auto insurance isn’t just a smart choice — it’s a necessity. With the right full coverage policy, you can navigate the county’s diverse roads with the assurance that you’re protected against the unexpected.
What’s Included in a Full Coverage Auto Insurance Policy?
While the specifics can vary based on the provider and individual preferences, a typical full coverage policy includes the following components:
Comprehensive insurance
Unlike collision insurance, comprehensive insurance is a type of auto insurance that covers damages to your vehicle not caused by a car accident.
Instead, it addresses damages from various unexpected events that are beyond a driver’s control, such as:
- Theft: If your car is stolen, this coverage can help you get reimbursed for its value.
- Vandalism: If someone intentionally damages your car, comprehensive insurance can cover the repair costs.
- Natural Disasters: This includes damages from events like hurricanes or tornadoes.
- Fire: This covers damages resulting from fires, whether from accidents or wildfires.
- Falling Objects: This could be anything from a tree branch to debris from a building.
- Animal Collisions: If you hit an animal, such as a deer, the damage to your car would be covered.
Bodily injury liability
Bodily injury liability insurance is essential for drivers, as it provides coverage if you’re at fault in an accident that results in injuries to another person.
This insurance is designed to help cover:
- Medical Expenses: This helps cover the medical costs of someone else if you cause a car accident. This can range from emergency services and hospital care to follow-up doctor visits and other associated costs, such as purchasing crutches or a wheelchair.
- Compensation for Lost Wages and Income: If the injured party cannot work or perform their regular job functions because of injuries caused by the accident, bodily injury liability can help compensate for their lost income. This is especially crucial if the injured person requires extended physical therapy or recovery time.
- Legal Fees: Accidents can sometimes lead to legal proceedings. If the injured party or their insurance company takes you to court, bodily injury liability coverage can help cover your legal fees.
Property damage liability
Property damage liability insurance is designed to cover the costs of repairs to another person’s vehicle or property if you’re found at fault in an accident.
Here’s what property damage liability insurance typically covers:
- Vehicle Repairs: If you’re at fault in an accident that damages another person’s vehicle, this coverage helps pay for the necessary repairs.
- Structural Damages: Accidents can sometimes result in damages to structures like fences, lampposts, or building fronts. Property damage liability can cover the costs associated with these repairs.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is an important component of auto insurance that safeguards you against drivers who either lack sufficient insurance or have none at all. This coverage is designed to ensure that you’re not left bearing the financial burden in the unfortunate event of an accident with such drivers.
Here’s what UM/UIM insurance typically covers:
- Protection Against Uninsured Drivers: If you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, this insurance can help cover medical bills for both you and your passengers. Additionally, uninsured motorist property damage coverage can assist in covering damages to your vehicle.
- Protection Against Underinsured Drivers: In cases where the at-fault driver doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages or injuries they caused, underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage can step in to cover medical bills for you and your passengers. Similarly, underinsured motorist property damage coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle.
- Coverage for Hit-and-Run Incidents: If you fall victim to a hit-and-run accident, you can file a claim with your UM/UIM coverage.
Get Full Coverage Auto Insurance in Montgomery County
Navigating the world of auto insurance can be challenging, but with Freedom Insurance Group, Inc., you’re never riding solo.
Whether you’re looking for a customized automobile insurance package or seeking advice on the best coverage options, our team is ready to help. We represent 20+ A-rated insurance companies and can work with you to find the best provider and policy for your needs.
Get an instant quote today for auto insurance in Montgomery County, and see how you can take to the road with greater security.
