Insurance: Ask Your Agent Before You Have to Ask Us!
Something you wish somebody would have told you before it happened to you.
Indiana requires drivers to carry liability insurance at relatively low minimum limits of $25,000 per person. You are not required to insure your vehicle against damage caused by others or injuries caused to you or your passengers by another driver. But that does not mean it is a good idea to go without that coverage.
Estimates suggest that roughly 15% of drivers on the road are uninsured. The only way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to carry Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. Medical
Payments coverage is also critical—it pays medical bills for anyone injured in your vehicle regardless of fault.
Why Umbrella Policies Matter
An umbrella policy provides coverage in addition to your underlying insurance. For a relatively small annual cost, it can add $1 million or more in protection. For example, $300,000 in underlying coverage combined with a $1 million umbrella policy results in total coverage of $1.3 million.
Why This Matters in the Real World
We have seen devastating situations where insurance coverage simply was not enough—or did not exist at all. In one case, a young woman was killed in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. There was no uninsured motorist coverage anywhere to compensate the family, not even to cover funeral expenses.
In another situation, an umbrella policy appeared to increase liability protection but specifically excluded uninsured motorist coverage. Only by carefully reading the policy did the issue become clear—highlighting why understanding your coverage is essential.
We also represented a minor severely injured in an accident involving seven victims and limited insurance.
Because her parents carried higher coverage limits, additional funds were available to properly resolve her claim.
What This Means for You
When clients come to us after an auto accident, one of the first questions we ask is how much insurance they carry themselves. Strong coverage and umbrella policies can prevent heartbreaking outcomes where compensation simply is not available.
The moral of the story is simple: understand your policy, confirm it includes the protection you want for yourself and your family, and drive with the confidence that you have taken responsible steps to protect those you love.
Isn’t that NICE to know?
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Insurance coverage and legal rights vary by situation. For guidance specific to your circumstances, consult with an attorney at The Nice Law Firm, LLP.
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