This is a question you may want to ask yourself when you are shopping around for car insurance coverage. After an accident, you may be left with medical bills for your injuries. So, who is supposed to pay for the cost of care? How do you make sure you don’t get stuck with out-of-pocket expenses, especially if the accident is someone else’s fault?
The answer depends on several factors including:
- The type of accident you are involved in
- The type of insurance coverage you have
- The state you live in
In most states, the law says that the driver who is found to be at fault for the accident must pay for the damages to the other parties, through a lawsuit. Meaning, you would sue the other driver’s car insurance company, and they would award you damages, part of which would be the cost of your medical care.
However, in some states the law works a little differently. These states, known as no-fault states are Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Car Accidents in No-Fault States
In no-fault states, your own auto insurance company will be responsible for your medical bills no matter who was at fault for the car accident. There are often limits to the amount the insurance company will pay and each state is different. Generally, though, the limit is around $10,000.
When You Are Responsible for Your Medical Bills
Once you have exceeded the limit in no-fault states, or if you are found at fault for the accident in other states and you don’t have medical payments coverage, you may end up paying out of pocket for medical bills. While your health insurance may cover some of your bills, you may find yourself having to set up a payment plan with a medical provider to cover your care.
Medical Payments Coverage
Especially if you do not have health insurance in a state that does not have no-fault laws, you will want to consider obtaining medical payments coverage through your own auto insurance policy.
Medical payments coverage is used to specifically pay medical bills of those involved in a car accident with you. The payments through his type of coverage have a limit, which is usually less than $10,000. Any amounts above the limit will be your responsibility.
Medical payments coverage is optional coverage, not required coverage. So, if you feel you need this type of added protection, be sure to shop around for quotes to find out how much your monthly premium for medical payments might be.
The InsuranceWins form makes it easy to obtain quotes and find out just how little it costs to have this added protection for you and your family.
