Auto Insurance FAQ
FOR INDIVIDUALS
Frequently Asked Questions about Auto Insurance
Mandatory coverage limits are established by individual states. Automobile insurance coverages that provide at least these minimum mandatory limits are required by law for every driver and motor vehicle. Although required by law, not all drivers have mandatory coverage. And, those drivers with only mandatory coverage may not have enough insurance to cover injuries and property losses in the event of an accident. Currently, depending on the state of residence, mandatory limits can be as low as $5,000 per accident for Property Damage and $15,000 per person for injuries. A dented bumper or broken arm can easily exceed these mandatory limits.
If an insured person is legally liable for an accident, BI coverage pays for injuries or death to people involved in the accident other than the insured driver. BI also pays for legal defense costs if you are sued. Certain exclusions may apply.
If a driver or owner of a vehicle does not have insurance and is legally liable for an accident, you can use UM coverage for injuries, including death, which you, your resident relatives, and occupants of your insured vehicle sustain, up to the limits you select. Certain exclusions may apply. PFSI strongly recommends UM or UIM coverage for additional protection from uninsured and minimally insured drivers.
If a driver or owner of a vehicle is legally liable for an accident but does not have enough insurance, you can use UIM coverage for injuries, including death, which you, your resident relatives, and occupants of your insured vehicle sustain, up to the limits you select. Certain exclusions may apply. PFSI strongly recommends UM or UIM coverage for additional protection from uninsured and minimally insured drivers.
If driver or owner of a vehicle is legally liable for an accident but does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance, you can use UMPD to cover damage to your insured vehicle, up to the limits you select. In some states, UMPD is available as an alternative to Collision coverage. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.
If your insured vehicle is damaged due to an event other than a collision, Comprehensive coverage will pay for the damage. This includes damages from fire, theft, windstorm, flood and vandalism. If your vehicle is stolen, Comprehensive covers transportation and loss of use expenses when applicable.
When your insured vehicle overturns or collides with another object, Collision coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle. Collision coverage also may extend to a non-owned vehicle or one rented for personal use that is in your custody or that you are operating.
Med Pay is an optional insurance coverage that pays for reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses for covered persons. These expenses must be incurred as a result of an auto accident. A premium is the amount of money paid to an insurance company in return for insurance protection. The person who drives the car most often is the principal driver.
If an insured person is legally liable for an accident, PD coverage pays for damage to others’ property resulting from the accident. PD also pays for legal defense costs if you are sued. Certain exclusions may apply. Refer to your policy.
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for damage resulting from a specific loss or accident. Generally, choosing a higher deductible will lower your premium.
Rental Reimbursement provides rental car coverage if you have a claim that is covered under Comprehensive or Collision coverage. Daily rental amounts are subject to the limit purchased. Typically, not available in Mexico.
Roadside Assistance provides services such as towing, flat tire change, locksmith service and battery jump-start to customers, who can elect the service for an additional premium if it is not already included with their insurance policy.
An SR-22 is a document required by the court that demonstrates proof of financial responsibility for persons convicted of certain traffic violations.
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