Best Auto Insurance: Hsh Policy Options And Benefits

HSH Insurance is an independent insurance agency that has been in the business of providing insurance solutions for over 80 years. They offer a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions to protect you from the unexpected. Their services include personal insurance, commercial insurance, and employee benefits. HSH Insurance serves clients in Roanoke Valley, Ohio, the Eastern Shore, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and throughout the South. They can be reached via phone or Webex.

Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Understanding Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Limits

When selecting Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, you will typically see limits presented as a set of two numbers, such as "100/300". These numbers represent the maximum amount your insurance company will pay per person and per accident, respectively. For example, with a policy limit of 100/300, your insurance will cover up to $100,000 per person and a total of $300,000 for all injuries in a single accident.

The amount of Bodily Injury Liability Coverage you need will depend on your state's requirements and your personal financial situation. At a minimum, you should ensure you meet the legal requirements of your state. However, it is generally recommended to have higher limits, such as 100/300 or higher, to ensure you have sufficient coverage in the event of a serious accident. You may also want to consider purchasing an umbrella policy to provide additional coverage if your auto insurance policy limits are not high enough to cover your net worth.

Property Damage Coverage

In the context of auto insurance, property damage typically refers to damage inflicted on another vehicle. However, it can also extend to other types of property, such as fences or buildings. The amount of Property Damage Coverage required differs from state to state, and it is worth noting that the minimum coverage mandated by the state may not always be sufficient to cover all potential damages. Therefore, it is advisable to consider your specific circumstances and choose a coverage limit that offers adequate protection.

For instance, if you own a home or other valuable assets, frequently drive in high-traffic areas, or live in an area with many expensive vehicles, increasing your Property Damage Coverage limit may be prudent. This way, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are better protected financially in the event of an accident.

Additionally, it is important to understand that your auto insurance policy will have a limit on the total payout for property damage. If the cost of damages exceeds this limit, you may be held responsible for the remaining amount. Therefore, carefully consider your potential risks and select a coverage limit that aligns with your needs.

Furthermore, some insurers allow you to choose a higher limit for Property Damage Coverage, providing you with additional financial protection in the event of an accident. This option may be particularly relevant if you live in an area with a high cost of living or frequently drive in areas with expensive vehicles.

In conclusion, Property Damage Coverage is a vital aspect of auto insurance, safeguarding you against financial liability if your vehicle causes damage to someone else's property. By understanding the specifics of this coverage, you can make informed decisions about your policy and ensure you have the protection you need.

Medical Payments Coverage and Personal Injury Protection

Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)

Med Pay covers the medical payments of the policyholder and their passengers if they are injured in a car crash. Companies are not required to offer this coverage, and it only covers expenses within one year of the accident. Med Pay reimburses health insurance deductibles and co-pays but does not cover lost wages or essential services if the injured person is unemployed.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

PIP includes medical payments coverage and covers other documented losses such as lost wages. PIP is mandatory in several states and optional in others. It covers the policyholder, family members living in the household, any driver with permission to drive the covered vehicle, and passengers. Insurers will pay reasonable accident-related medical and funeral expenses within three years of the accident. PIP also pays 80% of lost wages and, if the injured person is unemployed, pays for essential services such as childcare and lawn care.

Med Pay vs. PIP

The main difference between Med Pay and PIP is that Med Pay only covers medical expenses, while PIP covers additional expenses such as lost wages and essential services. Med Pay is typically reimbursed within one year of the accident, while PIP provides coverage for up to three years. Whether you should choose Med Pay or PIP depends on your state's requirements and your personal needs. If you live in a state that requires PIP, it may not make sense to also carry Med Pay, as PIP provides a wider range of benefits.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Damage Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage, often abbreviated as UM or UMBI, is a type of auto insurance that covers medical expenses and other costs if you or your passengers are injured in an accident caused by:

• A driver with no liability insurance.
• A hit-and-run driver.
• A driver whose insurance company denies coverage or goes out of business.

Uninsured motorist coverage typically pays for:

• Medical expenses for you and your passengers.
• Lost wages if you are unable to work due to injuries from the accident.
• Pain and suffering compensation.

It's important to note that uninsured motorist coverage does not pay anything to the uninsured driver; it is meant to cover your own expenses and losses.

Underinsured Motorist Coverage:

Underinsured motorist coverage, or UIM, is similar to uninsured motorist coverage but applies when the at-fault driver has insufficient insurance to cover the costs of the accident. UIM coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that exceed the at-fault driver's insurance limits.

The requirement for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage varies by state. Some states mandate this coverage, while others make it optional. Even if your state does not require it, it is highly recommended to include this coverage in your policy to protect yourself financially.

When selecting uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you will typically choose the insurance limits for your policy. For bodily injury coverage, it is generally recommended to match the amount of your liability coverage. For example, if your liability limits are $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident, you may want to choose the same limits for your uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage.

If you are purchasing a new insurance policy, you can include this coverage in your quote. If you already have an existing policy, you can contact your insurance provider to add or adjust your coverage limits.

Physical Damage Coverage

Collision insurance provides protection for your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident. It pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it collides with another object.

Comprehensive insurance protects your vehicle if it's damaged by something other than a collision with a vehicle or object, or if your vehicle is stolen.

Fire and Theft with CAC provides similar protection to Comprehensive insurance, except its coverage is limited to certain specific, non-collision incidents.

Physical damage insurance is often included in commercial auto insurance policies. It is not usually required by states, but auto liability insurance, which covers legal costs and other expenses in an accident that harms another person or their property, typically is.

When selecting Physical Damage Coverage, you must choose a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket when you have a claim. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your insurance price, but be sure to select a deductible that you can afford to pay.

Frequently asked questions