Don’t Skimp on Car Insurance: Important Information from Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm

By James Roswold | December 5, 2023

Don’t Skimp on Car Insurance: Important Information from Kansas City’s Favorite Law FirmAlmost all 50 states in the United States require drivers to have car insurance, and Missouri is one of them. Therefore, if you seriously injure someone or cause a car accident, it is your responsibility to provide proof of your car insurance to show the police officers and other parties involved.

Other than the fact that it is a requirement, you may be wondering why you shouldn’t skimp on car insurance. Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm will explain the reasons why you should never settle for minimum coverage, as this is very important and useful information that every driver should know and be aware of in the event a car accident.

Five reasons why drivers shouldn’t skimp on car insurance

There are many reasons why drivers should never choose to skimp on car insurance. We will go over five of the main reasons below.

  1. The more that you increase your insurance coverage, the more your insurance company will pay toward your car accident claim: In Missouri, carrying the minimum car insurance might seem cost-effective, but it can be financially risky if you’re involved in an accident with an underinsured driver. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage is essential as it safeguards you from the financial strain of uncovered expenses. Increasing your UIM coverage means that if another driver’s insurance cannot cover all your costs—such as medical bills, car repairs, or lost wages—your policy will step in to cover the shortfall. Without adequate UIM coverage, you could face significant out-of-pocket expenses, turning what could be a manageable situation into a financial burden. Thus, investing in higher UIM limits is a smart strategy to ensure comprehensive protection on the road.
  2. The more coverage you have, the less likely you will have to pay out of pocket: If you cause a wreck, there is a high chance that you will be held liable and required to pay for the costs from the accident. You may be thinking that this will only be the injured person’s medical bills, but there are actually many other costs that come with car accidents, such as legal fees, the injured individual’s lost wages, and even pain and suffering costs. The good news is that you may be able to avoid these costs coming out of your pocket if you don’t skimp on your insurance and choose to have more coverage options, such as liability coverage. If you only have the bare minimum insurance, you will likely need to pay for the injured person’s expenses out of your pocket, which can send your world into great turmoil and put you behind on your own bills.
  3. If you purchase special insurance, such as collision or comprehensive coverage, your insurance company may help you pay to fix or replace your car: During car accidents, it is common for vehicles to become seriously damaged and even irreparable. Therefore, you may want to consider purchasing special insurance, such as collision or comprehensive coverage. These types of insurance options may help you fix or buy a new car depending on how badly it is damaged. Most people may think that they only need to worry about other peoples’ vehicles when involved in a wreck, but it is actually a wise decision to have insurance coverage on your own car. If you do not consider these special insurance options, you will need to pay to fix or replace your own vehicle, which can be extremely costly.
  4. Choosing to have medical payments (MedPay) coverage can help you pay for your medical bills and expenses after an accident: MedPay is a great option available to Kansas City, MO residents. You can add MedPay to your current insurance policy, and it will help you pay for your medical expenses if you become hurt in a collision. Not only does this add-on cover your medical costs, but it can also cover anyone else’s medical bills if they were riding in the vehicle with you at the time of the accident and became injured. Some of the costs that are covered under MedPay include surgeries, primary care doctor bills, emergency room or urgent care visits, and hospital stays. The higher the coverage limit that you choose for your MedPay, the more that your insurance company will pay for your medical bills. Therefore, you do not want to skimp on this additional insurance option as medical bills typically come with hefty price tags and accumulate quickly.
  5. You may be involved in a hit-and-run accident or struck by a driver without insurance: Unfortunately, many drivers choose to operate vehicles without car insurance. Regardless of the fact that it is against the law, a lot of people will cancel their insurance after they get their driver’s license. You may find yourself involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, which may cause you to feel lost and confused about how you will cover your medical bills and auto repairs. While Missouri requires every driver to carry uninsured motorist coverage, the good news is that you can increase the amount of this coverage, ensuring that your expenses are fully covered if you ever find yourself involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. This is also beneficial if you are in a hit-and-run accident, and law enforcement and your insurance company cannot find the driver who hit you.

If you have questions and concerns regarding your car insurance or motor vehicle accident, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys for a complimentary insurance review. Our car accident lawyers are educated, experienced, and skilled when it comes to all types of car accidents and insurance questions. Therefore, we can provide helpful legal advice and explain your legal options if you are a victim of a car accident. Call our office or contact us to get started today. As Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm, you are welcome to drop by our main office in Kansas City, MO at any time, or you can visit our other offices by appointment only, which can be found in Lee’s Summit, Parkville and St. Joseph (MO); Olathe, Kansas City, and Overland Park (KS).

Posted in Car Accidents