Why Washington State Car Insurance Minimums Are Not Enough
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These days, money is tight more than ever. That mounting pile of bills that stare at you each month doesn’t get any smaller. Sometimes it’s all you can do to stay current on your credit cards. The last thing you want to do is pay a lot for car insurance. However, by going with just the state minimums, you may be saving a little now, but could be paying a lot later.
Liability Insurance
Liability coverage protects you if you are in accident and it is your fault. This money goes to pay the other party’s injuries, property damage and even personal damages. In the state of Washington, the minimum limits of liability are 25/50/10. This means you have $25,000 of liability per person, $50,000 per occurrence and $10,000 in property damage.
Let’s say you get in an accident and either seriously hurt or kill someone. They could turn around and sue you. If they died, the family could seek millions in a lawsuit for damages. That $50,000 of liability coverage is not going to cut it. They can come after your personal assets and even garnish your future wages. This is why it is critical to have proper limits of liability.
Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Let’s turn that scenario around and let’s say you are the one seriously hurt in an accident caused by someone else, yet that other person is uninsured. Now what? Well, if you didn’t purchase uninsured motorist coverage you would be in financial trouble. There would be no money to fix your car, pay your medical bills and go after the other party.
Uninsured motorist, also underinsured motorist insurance, covers you if the other party does not have insurance and you suffer personal and property damages. This coverage is not required by the state, but you can see why it is important.
Comprehensive and Collision Car Insurance
Comp and Collision are optional coverages that protect your car. Comprehensive covers damages due to things like theft, vandalism, fire and glass. Typically, comprehensive claims are not your fault, but still cost you money. On the other hand, collision provides coverage when it is your fault like hitting another car or backing into a pole. You can save money on comp and collision by having higher deductibles so ask your agent.
Get a Full Quote
So the next time you are shopping for car insurance, think twice before going with just liability. You may be satisfying your legal requirement, but you are exposing yourself to financial hardship should the unexpected happen.
If you would like me to review your current policy and explain what you have or give you a competitive quote, please contact me at 360-452-9200
Want more information? Please visit my official Allstate Agency Website to get more information on the Allstate products and services I can offer in Port Angeles, Sequim or anywhere Washington State.
