Auto Insurance

What You Need To Know About Auto Insurance

You may have a lot of questions about what to do next after you've been in a car accident. Not the least of these concerns is how to get your car back in service quickly - or how to replace it if necessary. It is at this point that you realize how important it is to have the right insurance coverage, as well as to understand the terms of your policy. At The COTA Group, educating our clients is as essential as providing insurance policies.

Florida is one of ten states that have personal injury protection (no fault) auto insurance. The intention was to provide injured drivers up to $10,000 in immediate medical coverage in lieu of establishing fault through the court system. The goal was to reduce payment delay for injured drivers, as well as limit the utilization of the court system.  In Florida, PIP coverage is required to be purchased by all owners of motor vehicles registered in this state.  PIP coverage makes the individual responsible for their own injuries in an accident regardless of fault. The mandatory coverage includes:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Personal injury protection provides coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other various needs such as childcare or even funeral costs. PIP benefits may overlap with health insurance, so there may be an opportunity to reduce premiums by raising your deductible. Discuss your options with an experienced insurance consultant for more information.
  
• Basic Property Damage Liability (PDL): PDL is a required coverage that pays for the damage done to another person's property, whether caused by you or another individual operating your vehicle.
  

While the above coverages are the only ones mandated in Florida, there are several coverage options available to protect you more comprehensively. Understanding the implications of accepting or waiving these coverages is an essential part of purchasing auto insurance, representing the real value of working with The Cota Group Insurance. We ask about the specific needs and expectations of every client, to ensure that the coverage we provide is tailored specifically to them.

After all, after the accident occurs, it is too late to find out you don't have the coverage you expect.

Optional Coverage Options

Often, the minimum required coverage is not enough to cover the actual medical and property damages sustained during an accident. In these circumstances, a motorist can file a claim with the other party's insurance company to cover the rest of the costs.

In addition to PDL and PIP coverage, your insurance agent will discuss the following coverage options.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, and basic coverage is insufficient, this coverage will make up the difference.

• Bodily Injury Liability: This coverage becomes necessary if injury or death of another party occurs as a result of an accident in which you were fully or partially at fault,
  

• Collision Damage: This provides coverage for your vehicle when it is in a collision with another automobile or object.
  

• Comprehensive Damage: Damage can occur to your vehicle, which is not the result of a collision - such as a falling tree or vandalism. Comprehensive coverage makes sure that the unexpected is always covered.
  

At The Cota Group, we are committed to ensuring that you have both the coverage and knowledge you need to feel confident while on the road. Our team provides a depth of experience in creating custom policies from quality partners such as, Travelers, Nationwide, Mercury and Progressive.

No two motorists are alike, and you shouldn't be treated that way. Call us today and gain peace of mind knowing you are protected wherever you go.