Saturday, January 30, 2010

What Is the Effect Of Car Insurance Liability Coverage?

By Susan Reynolds

You need to seriously consider the kind of car insurance policy that you are going to have. One has to determine the liability coverage that will provide enough protection from any possible scenarios based on your personal circumstances. One must decide the liability limit by managing the risk on your assets when driving your own car or even a car rental.

When you are shopping for the right car insurance policy, it is important that you consider both the cost of the insurance policy and liability coverage that it offers. The limit of coverage is as important as buying a car. It is the main basis in determining the degree protection that the policy provides to your assets if you found responsible for property damages or bodily injuries while driving a car. Thus, your decision on the type of car insurance policy should focus not only on the amount of premium but also on coverage and limit of protection that is most appropriate for your needs and situation.

You have to understand that the basic car insurance already has the minimum liability coverage as required by law. Nonetheless, you have to understand that this liability coverage and limit may not be sufficient enough in providing you with the appropriate protection for all the risks that you have to take into account while driving your own car or a rented car. One good way in determining if you have the right car insurance with sufficient protection cover is by considering the value of the cars that you normally encounter on the road. If in your assessment the liability limit of your insurance is not sufficient to cover the cost of these types of vehicles then it is time to make upward adjustments to the liability cap of your insurance policy.

There are also instances where a car rental company will offer you with liability coverage when you are driving a rented car. This means that you are provided with liability coverage for the damages on properties and bodily injuries to third parties as a direct result of an accident while driving a rented car. If you already have a car insurance policy that already has protection cover for car rentals, accepting the offer for the liability coverage by the car rental company would just be an unnecessary expense.

You also have to discuss with your insurance agent or the insurance company if you are allowing other persons to drive your car. Make sure that you have the appropriate coverage before you allow other people to drive your car. However, you should remember that the liability coverage will not apply for uninsured persons and persons who are not licensed to drive a motor vehicle. Before you even allow another person to drive your car, it is important that you clarify all concerns pertaining to this liability coverage of your insurance policy.

You should also discuss with your insurance agent or the insurance company if you are planning to use the car for business purposes. Your decision to use your car beyond the usual personal needs would have an effect on the liability coverage that you need to have and the amount of premium that you are going to pay for your insurance policy. You have to clarify this concern with your car insurance agent as there are some insurance companies that do offer policies that provide for liability coverage for cars used for business-related activities.