Chances are, if you own a car, you’re paying for some unnecessary “extra options.” For example, if you already have health insurance, why do you need car insurance “medical coverage”? Have you ever asked your auto insurance company what this means? And what happens if you are in a car accident and are injured? Will your current health insurance wait for your car insurance to kick in because you have this “medical coverage”, thus delaying claims? How long will this be delayed? Will this affect your health insurance coverage due to a “long delay” costing you more out-of-pocket medical expenses because you missed the filing date? It all sounds too familiar, right? But if you don’t have health insurance and you are injured in a car accident, this “medical coverage” can help you pay some of your medical bills (it did in my case).
In general, this “medical portion” of your auto insurance MAY cover the following, but be sure to ask your auto insurance representative for an explanation:
- Some funeral expenses
- Passengers who could be injured while you or a family member are driving
- If you are an injured passenger in someone else’s car
- If you are hit by a car while walking or bicycling
- If you require dental care after an accident
- If you need extended nursing services or hospitalization while you rehabilitate
- If you need dentures
So if you’re doing a “summer cleaning” and trying to figure out some cost savings because you’re worried about that mysterious increase in your health insurance premium, be sure to call your auto insurance company and start asking questions (and make sure to document responses).
Start with these preliminary questions: Do you really need the car rental option if you have a new car? How does that loss of income really help you, and in what situation? When does this bodily injury actually occur and in what part of the body?
When you feel heated to the point that the auto insurance representative is sweating, start asking about “medical bill payments.” What is the minimum requirement needed in your state? What does it cover? How does it compare to your current health insurance? When does it take effect?
Also, don’t be afraid to ask for more discounts, including any new discounts you could qualify. In the end, you might find that you’ve saved a couple hundred on your car insurance; enough to pay his new health insurance premiums… I know 🙂
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