When filing a personal injury claim after a motor vehicle accident, the bodily injury limit plays a significant role in determining how much an injured victim can recover following their injuries. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can help the affected parties understand the importance of minimum car insurance requirements in Indiana.
Those who have suffered injuries in a motor vehicle accident due to another's negligence in Indianapolis, Indiana, should contact the auto accident attorneys in Indianapolis at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys to discuss their case and learn more about their legal rights.
The Minimum Insurance Requirements in Indiana
Since Indiana is a fault state, injured victims must file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent driver's insurance provider to recover the damages caused.
Due to this, the drivers must have a minimum liability insurance coverage to drive motor vehicles legally in Indiana.
Maintaining a minimum liability insurance protects the driver from the financial impact of a car accident. The insurer covers the damage caused by their policyholder up to the policy limits. Contact Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys for questions like Does an insurance company have to provide a rental car in Indiana?
There are two types of liability coverage that Indiana drivers must have, and these include the following:
Property damage: This type of car insurance coverage protects the policyholder from financial responsibility in the event of a car accident. It covers certain types of motor vehicle and property damage of another party.
Bodily injury: This type of auto insurance coverage is another form of financial protection that protects the policyholder if they crash their vehicle. Unlike property damage, which covers damage to one's property, bodily injury covers another party's medical expenses arising from the car accident.
What Is the Bodily Injury Limit in Indiana?
The minimum bodily injury coverage in Indiana is $25,000 per person and a total of $50,000 per accident.
Most auto accidents result in more than $50,000 in bodily injury liability. Once the policy limit runs out, the injured victim may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent driver, which means they'll be coming after their assets.
To protect one's assets from a lawsuit, drivers in Indiana must purchase additional car insurance coverage.
What Is the Minimum Property Damage Limit in Indiana?
The minimum property damage coverage in Indiana is $25,000 per accident. In the event of a motor vehicle accident, the policyholder's car insurance will cover damages to another's property up to $25,000.
Although property damages can be much lower than bodily injury, $25,000 coverage per accident may not be sufficient, especially if the car crash causes serious damage to the vehicle.
If the at-fault driver does not have enough coverage, the affected party may go after the negligent driver's assets by filing a personal injury lawsuit. Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys can also explain what happens in Indiana if you get in an accident without insurance.
What Are the Optional Indiana Car Insurance Coverage That Drivers Should Consider?
There are several Indiana car insurance coverages drivers may want to consider purchasing, some of which include the following:
Comprehensive Coverage
This type of car insurance coverage covers the repair costs of a vehicle damaged during vandalism, theft, fire breakouts, animal contact, and other non-collision-related incidents.
Collision Coverage
This type of car insurance coverage covers the costs of the physical damage arising from collisions with other motor vehicles or objects.
Uninsured/underinsured Motorist Coverage
An uninsured motorist covers an injured victim's bodily injury and property damage if the negligent party does not carry any car insurance policy.
On the other hand, underinsured motorist coverage kicks in and covers the damages to the injured victim when the negligent party's insurance policy limits run out.
The following are the minimum uninsured motorist coverage requirements in Indiana:
Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage: $25,000 per accident
Although uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are optional, they often come with a car insurance policy. Drivers can remove this type of coverage by requesting the insurer in writing.
Medical Benefits Coverage
Medical coverage is an excellent type of auto insurance that covers the policyholder's medical expenses arising from injuries in the event of a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Other Types of Car Insurance Coverages in Indiana
Besides the optional car insurance coverages mentioned above, there are other types of auto insurance coverages, including the following:
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance is a type of car insurance coverage that covers the costs of emergency towing and roadside service. Some policies even allow for fuel deliveries.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
A car accident can seriously damage a driver's motor vehicle, adversely affecting their daily commute and traveling.
The rental reimbursement coverage covers the rental costs of renting an automobile while the damaged vehicle is away for repairs.
Accident Forgiveness
Some insurance companies in Indiana provide accident forgiveness coverage, which gives the driver a free pass in case they get into a car accident for the first time.
With this insurance policy, the insurer forgives the first crash and does not raise the premiums.
Drivers Can Take Advantage of Indiana Car Insurance Discounts
In most states, including Indiana, insurance companies offer several discounts to their policyholders, helping reduce their yearly payments. Some of these may include the following:
Multi-policy discount
Multi-car discount
Vehicle safety discount
New car discount
Anti-theft device discount
Good driver discount
Defensive driver discount
It's crucial for drivers in Indiana to review the different discounts offered by insurance companies so that they can enjoy the savings without reducing their coverage.
Do Drivers Need an Indiana Auto Insurance to Register Their Motor Vehicles?
According to Indiana auto insurance laws, drivers should submit valid proof of insurance when registering their motor vehicles.
Those who fail to meet the state's minimum insurance requirements may not be eligible to register their car.
What Are the Documents Needed to Register a Vehicle in Indiana?
There are several documents that drivers must submit to register their vehicles in Indiana, and these include the following:
Certificate of Origin
Odometer Statement
Proof of Insurance
Social Security Number
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without an Indiana Car Insurance?
It's against the law to drive without car insurance in Indiana, and motorists who fail to adhere to the laws in the state will have to face serious consequences. These may include license suspension, hefty fines, and other penalties.
When an auto accident occurs in Indiana, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will verify the car owner's auto insurance coverage status.
The driver will receive a financial responsibility verification request at their mailing address, and they must respond by sending a Certificate of Compliance within 90 days.
If the driver fails to submit a Certificate of Compliance within 90 days, the BMV will revoke their license, which will remain suspended until the driver provides proof of insurance.
When a driver without car insurance commits a traffic offense and gets convicted, they may face the following penalties:
90 days of driver's license suspension and a requirement to carry an SR-22 for three years following their first offense
One year of driver's license suspension, a requirement to hold an SR-22 for three years, and a hefty fine of $500 for a second offense.
One year of driver's license suspension, a requirement to carry an SR-22 for five years, and a $1,000 fine for a third offense.
Does the Insurance Follow the Car or the Driver in Indiana?
Whether or not the car insurance follows the motor vehicle depends on the policy. Liability insurance coverage, for example, follows the insured driver, while comprehensive coverage follows the insured vehicle.
What Are the Factors That Affect the Insurance Costs in Indiana?
The car insurance rates in Indiana vary depending on many different factors, including the following:
The Vehicle
The car insurance rates may vary from one vehicle to another depending on the vehicle's type, make, model, safety features, and age.
The Driver's Zip Code
Since each state has its own car insurance requirements, the costs of an insurance policy may vary according to the state and the zip code.
According to the US News, the average premium on car insurance in Bloomington is approximately $1,182, which is around $78 more than the auto insurance rates in Lafayette ($1,104).
The Driver's Characteristics
Demographics play a major role in determining the car insurance rates in Indiana. A driver's age, gender, marital status, and profession can impact the premium.
Driving History
Insurance companies in Indiana consider the driver's driving history when determining the car insurance rate.
A driver with extensive driving experience is more likely to pay less than a driver who just passed their driving test.
Can the Injured Victims Recover Compensation If They Do Not Have Car Insurance?
An injured victim can typically pursue a claim or a lawsuit against the negligent driver's insurance company to recover the compensatory damages (economic and non-economic losses) arising from the car accident.
However, Indiana car insurance laws (no pay, no play statute) prevent the affected party from recovering non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment, if they do not have a valid policy during the time of the crash.
Can the Injured Victims Recover Compensation If the Other Driver Does Not Have Car Insurance?
Under the Indiana car insurance laws, the drivers must have insurance to drive legally in the state. However, not everyone is a law-abiding citizen, and there are many individuals out there driving motor vehicles without a valid policy.
In Indiana, insurance companies provide uninsured motorist coverage with every policy unless removed (in writing) by the driver. If they have this type of optional insurance, they can file a claim with their insurer to recover the damages caused by the uninsured party.
When the injured party does not have uninsured motorist coverage, they may have to pursue a lawsuit against the negligent driver to recover the damages.
However, it's highly unlikely that they'll receive any money, as the defendant may not have financial assets to cover the damages.
The Insurance Veterans at Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for Justice!
Those who have suffered car accident injuries due to another's negligence in Indianapolis, Indiana, should call to schedule a free consultation with Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. They have the experience to fight the insurance company and get the compensation the victim deserves.