What happens if I don't have bodily injury coverage?
Asked by: Dr. Felicia Jacobi DDS | Last update: July 13, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)
Do I need optional bodily injury coverage?
BI liability coverage is required in nearly every state, so you should instead consider how much car insurance coverage you need. Remember, BI covers injuries you cause to other people in an accident, so you don't have to risk your personal assets to compensate them.
What happens if both parties don't have insurance in an accident?
If neither party in a car crash has insurance, it is critical to speak to an attorney about your legal rights and options. The evidence may end up showing that the other driver was responsible for the accident, meaning that he or she owes you money rather than the other way around.
Are you required to have bodily injury in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state. This means your own personal injury protection (PIP) insurance provides coverage up to policy limits, regardless of who is at fault. Unlike most states, residents of Florida are not required to have bodily injury liability, as PIP coverage handles relevant medical costs.
Is personal injury cover necessary?
It's important to note that personal accident cover is not mandatory. It's an extra layer of protection that comes at an additional cost. However, it offers peace of mind, knowing that you and potentially your family are covered in case of serious injury or death.
What If The At-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Enough Coverage?
Is personal injury insurance necessary?
PIP coverage protects you regardless of who's at fault. Personal injury protection insurance is mandatory in some states and optional or not offered at all in other states. Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
What if I don't have personal accident cover?
If you don't own a PA cover under your car insurance, you will be liable for legal action under the law of the country. The whole idea behind a PA cover is to ensure that all car owners are covered against personal accidents up to the minimum mandated coverage limit.
What happens if you don't have enough bodily injury coverage?
You could be responsible for any medical bills, ambulance costs, lost wages, legal fees, pain and suffering, and even funeral expenses if they are needed.
What happens if I don't add my teenager to my car insurance?
Failing to add your teenager to your auto insurance can lead to coverage denial, legal penalties and policy cancellation. Lack of driving experience and perceived higher risk contribute to higher car premiums for teen drivers.
Do I need personal injury protection on car insurance Florida?
Florida law requires every driver to carry at least $10,000 of PIP insurance coverage to legally operate a vehicle on the road.
Should I file a claim if I'm not at fault?
Always File a Claim, Regardless of Who Was At-Fault
One of the primary questions we receive from clients who have been in an accident is whether they should report the accident to their own auto insurance carrier, particularly when the accident was not their fault. And the answer to that question is: always.
Is it worth suing an uninsured driver?
Suing the uninsured driver might not be worth it unless they are financially capable of satisfying a judgment. After a crash with an uninsured or underinsured driver, contact a car accident lawyer about your legal options.
What happens if you don't get someone's insurance after an accident?
Penalties For Failing to Exchange Insurance Information
In California, there are penalties in place for drivers who refuse to provide insurance information after an accident. If someone refuses to give the necessary details, they're committing an infraction and could face a $250 fine.
What is a good amount of bodily injury coverage?
California's minimum bodily injury liability coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident (usually written as $15,000/$30,000). California's minimum property damage liability coverage is $5,000.
Can a bodily injury claim be denied?
Insufficient evidence of liability or losses is another common reason why personal injury claims get rejected. To successfully pursue a personal injury claim, you need to provide evidence that demonstrates the other party's negligence or wrongdoing was the cause of your injuries.
What states do not require bodily injury coverage?
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state. State minimums and coverage types vary, but nearly all states that mandate insurance require liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury. The sole exception is Florida, which only requires liability coverage for property damage, in addition to PIP coverage.
Can my son drive my car if he is not insured?
Most insurers cover someone else driving the policyholder's car with their permission once in a while. But, if you're going to start driving one of your parent's cars regularly, you'll need to be added or named on their auto insurance. You can't legally drive your parents' car without any insurance at all, either.
Should I add my 18 year old son to my car insurance?
Getting car insurance for a young driver can be pricey due to their lack of driving experience, so a separate policy may not be the best option. In most cases, it's more affordable to add your licensed or permitted teenage driver to your existing auto insurance policy.
Does your insurance go up if your child gets their license?
Once your child gets a license, you have 60 days by law to inform your insurance carrier. In most cases, because an insurance carrier will see a new driver as a greater risk, your insurance premium will increase, sometimes significantly (up to 60% for a two-car family).
Will my insurance go up if I get hit by an uninsured driver?
However, under California's proposition 103, insurance companies are not allowed to raise rates or drop a person because they made an uninsured motorist claim.
What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?
You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)
What happens if you don't have full coverage on a financed car?
Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.
Do I need personal injury insurance?
Do I need personal injury protection if I have health insurance? While it varies by state, personal injury protection insurance may be a good idea if you have the option. Currently, several states require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, regardless of whether you have health insurance.
How much is personal accident cover?
Are premiums affordable for individual coverage? Yes, premiums start from Kes. 1,095 per person, providing affordable individual coverage with flexible benefits.
Do I need accident coverage?
If an accident results in medical expenses your current health insurance doesn't cover, accident insurance can serve as a financial cushion should the unexpected happen. Accident insurance also helps complement disability insurance by allowing you to claim benefits even if your injuries don't keep you out of work.