What If Auto Insurance Coverage Isn’t Enough To Cover Property Damage?

Property damage can easily reach into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the accident. Replacing a telephone pole may require paying for debris removal, the pole itself, and installation labor. Some companies charge more than $30,000 for a single pole replacement. This does not include damage to parked cars, which you would be responsible for replacing if they are totaled. A multi-car accident on the highway can quickly exceed the limits of your insurance coverage.

Auto Insurance

Most drivers in Rochester Hills, MI, do not carry enough property damage coverage to handle these extremely high costs. State law requires drivers to have at least $1 million in property damage coverage, but accidents involving multiple vehicles or larger trucks can exceed this amount.

Your auto insurance policy will pay up to the policy limit. In most cases, this includes the $1 million minimum coverage required by state law.

Personal Responsibility

If the total damages exceed $1 million, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. You may receive a bill directly, or the affected drivers or property owners may take legal action. In these cases, you could be required to make payments until the remaining balance is paid off.

Umbrella Policy

Guy Hurley McNeil works with clients to obtain a variety of insurance solutions, including umbrella policies. Umbrella insurance acts as secondary coverage, helping to pay expenses that exceed the limits of your primary policy. This type of policy can help cover the remaining balance after your auto insurance pays its portion. It can also help pay for legal defense costs if you face a lawsuit.

Agents at Guy Hurley McNeil can help you review your options and ensure your assets are properly protected. Contact us today. We proudly serve the Rochester Hills, MI, area.