The right insurance for you

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CAR INSURANCE POLICY

More than 90% of drivers do not realize the danger they encounter every day driving a vehicle that is underinsured or uninsured.  While many may have some type auto coverage,  they are not aware of the fact that other drivers driving next to them may be completely uninsured/underinsured and about to cause an auto accident. In this case, when do you know you have enough coverage to protect your family and assets? 

 LIABILITY COVERAGE

Most States require drivers to buy Auto Liability Coverage. Drivers must buy at least the required minimum amount in accordance with a State Law.  There are 2 elements to the Liability coverage: 

•  Bodily Injury  (BI)  - Optional in the State of Florida

Although you don't have to have, this coverage will protect you in case you are the party at fault in an auto accident.  It will cover you for injuries and other costs the other party sustained as a result to the car accident.  Bodily Injury coverage comes in different amounts with the minimal amount being $10,000 per person/$20,000 per accident. Higher amounts of BI are available as well as excess Umbrella Liability Policy to increase your protection. The higher the amount of your Bodily injury coverage is, the more protection you will have to pay for large sums awarded to the injury party.  If you choose not to insure your car with Bodily Injury coverage, you will be responsible for all out-of-pocket expenses caused to the injured party. This means that your financial livelihood may be ruined following your unfortunate mistake. 

• Property Damage (PD) -  Required in the State of Florida

Property damage coverage will provide coverage to pay for another driver's property in case you are the at- fault party. This coverage is required in Florida and the minimal you can have is at least $10,000. Having the minimal requirement to your state law doesn't mean that you a fully covered. For example, if you are at fault for striking another vehicle, your car insurance will only pay up to the total of your property damage policy limits of $10,000, if the case. If the other party's vehicle takes more than $10,000 to repair or is completely totaled as a result of the wreck, you will be on the hook to pay for out-of-pocket expenses for the excess amount of the other party's property damage. 

UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED MOTORIST  COVERAGE (UM/UIM) 

- Optional in the State of Florida

Uninsured Motorist Coverage will protect you if a car operated by a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified upon striking your vehicle or, during the same instance, driving with no liability coverage. The Underinsured Motorist Coverage will protect you against at-fault car operators who has liability coverage, but are Underinsured to pay for your bodily injury and other costs you accrued as a result of the car accident. For example, if your damages cost $20,000 and the at-fault party liability policy limits is $10,000, your Underinsured motorist coverage will cover for the remainder of your awarded damages. If your insurance company pays for your bodily injury or property damage caused by the uninsured/underinsured driver, your insurance company will have the right to sue the uninsured/underinsured motorist for the damages they paid you as a result of the accident. This is called Subrogation. Remember, if you are underinsured or uninsured, this can happen to you as well. 

COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE (OTHER THAN COLLISION) 

- Optional in the State of Florida but may be required by the lienholders if you are financing your vehicle. 

This coverage protects your vehicle and will pay almost every other type of direct , accidental loss to your vehicle that is not excluded by your policy. The list includes damages caused by fire, theft or larceny, hail, water, or flood, failing objects, windstorm, riot or civil commotion, contact with bird or animal, earthquake, breakage of glass and other perils not specifically excluded in your policy.

COLLISION COVERAGE 

- Optional by the State of Florida but may be required by the lienholders if you are financing your vehicle. 

Collision will cover your vehicle in case of an impact with another object or vehicle, or the upset (overturn) of your vehicle. When this coverage is combined with Comprehensive coverage is usually referred as "full coverage". 

PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION (PIP) 

Required

Florida is a "no fault" State and requires every driver to have this coverage.  Personal Injury Protection pays for necessary medical and funeral services regardless of fault. This means that if you are involved in a car accident and are deemed at fault, your PIP policy will pay your medical expenses, including medical bills, X-rays, and surgery. In Florida, the minimum and the maximum amount of PIP you can have is $10,000. The PIP coverage also have different amounts of deductible for you to choose.  Florida PIP insurance covers 80% of your medical expenses and 60% of your lost wages, regardless of who causes an accident.

MED PAY COVERAGE

Optional

This coverage will pick up the remainder 20% of your medical expenses PIP doesn't cover. 

OTHER INSURANCE TYPES

Aside from all the above  coverages you may opt to have other insurance coverages as part of your policy such as: 

• Gap Coverage -  Will pay off your car loan if your car is totaled in an accident or stolen. It pay the gap between what you owe and the depreciation value of your vehicle. 
• Transportation expense coverage or Rental Car Coverage covers temporary transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a claim.  
• Towing and labor cost coverage covers you from a possible roadside breakdown, a flat tire or even a lockout. 
• Umbrella Policy is a liability insurance that provides additional coverage when a claim exceeds your primary policy. 

Your experienced Gusta Agent will tailor each policy coverage that will fit and protect you, your family and your assets.  Call Gusta Insurance Today at (813) 549-3585.  We service the Tampa FL, Bradenton FL, Brandon FL, Sarasota FL, Sun City Center FL, Orlando FL and other areas in Florida.