What does liability insurance not cover after a car accident in Peoria, IL? Contact us today for a free consultation.
If you’re driving in Peoria, Illinois, it’s essential to know the limitations of your auto liability insurance. Many drivers are unaware of the gaps in coverage, which could leave them financially exposed after an accident.
Contact Schierer and Ritchie LLC today for a comprehensive review of your auto insurance and legal options.
What Liability Insurance Covers:
- Bodily injury to others
- Damage to other vehicles or property
Illinois minimum coverage requirements are:
- $25,000 for one person’s injury or death
- $50,000 for multiple people’s injury or death
- $20,000 for property damage
However, these minimums may not be sufficient in many accident scenarios, and liability insurance falls short in several situations.
What Liability Insurance Doesn’t Cover:
- Your Injuries: Liability insurance protects others from damages you cause. Regardless of who is at fault, it does not cover your injuries in an accident. To cover your medical expenses, you would need:
- Health insurance
- Medical payments coverage (Med Pay)
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- Damage to Your Vehicle: If your car is damaged in an accident you caused, liability insurance won’t cover the repairs. For protection against damage to your vehicle, you need:
- Collision coverage
- Comprehensive coverage
- Theft of Your Vehicle: Liability insurance does not protect against theft. If your car is stolen, you need comprehensive coverage for reimbursement.
- Natural Disasters: Damage to your vehicle from natural disasters like floods, hurricanes, or falling trees is not covered by liability insurance. Again, comprehensive coverage would be necessary for this type of protection.
- Personal Items in Your Vehicle: If personal belongings in your car are damaged or stolen, liability insurance doesn’t cover their replacement. You might be able to claim these under your homeowners or renters insurance, but auto liability insurance won’t help.
- Legal Fees in Criminal Cases: If you’re facing criminal charges related to an accident (like DUI), liability insurance typically won’t cover your legal defense costs.
- Intentional Damage: If you intentionally cause damage to your vehicle, liability insurance won’t cover it. Insurance is designed for accidents, not deliberate acts.
- Racing/Speed Contests: Accidents during speed contests or organized races are typically excluded from liability coverage.
- Exceeding Policy Limits: If the damages you cause exceed your liability limits, you’re personally responsible for the remainder. This is why many experts recommend carrying more than the minimum required coverage.
Why These Gaps Matter
If you’re involved in an accident and find your insurance doesn’t cover all the damages, you might face:
- Liens on your property
- Bankruptcy in extreme cases
- Personal lawsuits
- Wage garnishment
Umbrella Policies
Given these limitations, many Peoria residents opt for umbrella insurance policies. These provide additional liability coverage beyond the limits of your auto policy, offering an extra layer of protection against lawsuits and major accidents.
How Schierer and Ritchie LLC Can Help
Navigating the complexities of auto insurance and accident liability can be challenging. If you’ve been involved in an accident in Peoria and are facing issues with insurance coverage, we can help:
- Evaluate your insurance coverage and identify potential gaps
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in lawsuits related to underinsured accidents
- Advise on the best ways to protect yourself financially and legally
Don’t wait until after an accident to understand your insurance coverage. Contact Schierer and Ritchie LLC today for a comprehensive review of your auto insurance and legal options. Our experienced Peoria-based attorneys are here to ensure you’re adequately protected on Illinois roads.
