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What can you expect from an at-fault driver’s insurance policy?

On Behalf of | Mar 9, 2021 | Motor vehicle accidents |

If you are like most people who get into a car crash, you expect insurance to take care of you. In most cases, it will, even if the other driver is the one who caused the collision.

There are federal rules that regulate the insurance industry, and businesses generally do their best to uphold their own policies. You can rely on what coverage you and the other driver have to cover the expenses you incur from the wreck.

Unfortunately, some people have unrealistic expectations about what kind of compensation motor vehicle liability insurance will provide for them. The better your understanding of car insurance in Ohio, the easier it will be for you to navigate the sometimes complicated claims process.

The coverage of the other driver limits what you receive

Ideally, you will only need minor work done on your vehicle or require a single medical visit for evaluation and care. Provided that the costs you incur do not exceed the coverage carried by the driver who caused the crash, you shouldn’t have to worry about any medical bills from the care that you needed or the cost of fixing your vehicle.

What you may not realize is that some drivers carry low levels of insurance. Ohio requires $25,000 worth of property damage coverage as a minimum for all registered vehicles. They also require drivers to carry bodily injury protection in case they hurt someone in a crash. There might be just $25,000 worth of injury coverage from one person who gets hurt or $50,000 if multiple people suffer injuries or die.

A settlement offer may not reflect all of your costs

When you file a claim, it can go several ways. Sometimes, the insurance company pays up front for services or reimburses you for them. They may cover your costs on an invoice-by-invoice basis. Other times, they offer a lump-sum settlement.

If you receive a settlement offer, it is important to review it carefully. You won’t be able to ask for more compensation if you have additional bills in the future.

Understanding how much your injuries and property damage will cost you can make it easier for you to negotiate a settlement or aggressively pursue a claim with an insurance company after a car crash.