Getting car insurance in New Jersey may feel like a daunting task, as we mentioned in part one of this blog series. There are different factors to consider, like which insurance company to choose and what coverage is best for your situation. It can feel like a lot of information to process at first, but it boils down to purchasing enough coverage to keep you secure in the event of a car accident.

By all means, look for the best possible deal that works with your lifestyle, but remember that whatever coverage you don’t have, you’ll be paying for out of pocket after a crash. And those bills can jump to the hundreds of thousands of dollars very quickly. The NJ car accident attorneys at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., recommend you buy as much auto coverage as you can reasonably afford. And there’s one type in particular that can help you greatly.

What to Do After an Accident

Car accidents are stressful, but they are considerably easier to deal with if you have adequate car insurance. Your insurance can cover the costs of fixing your car and pay for any medical bills.

The first thing you should do after a collision to make sure you and the other driver are okay. Then, after exchanging your contact and insurance policy information (and requesting an official police report on the accident), you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance will need to inspect your car, and possibly file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.

What Is Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

Not everyone is a responsible driver. Some people hit the roads with no insurance coverage. It might be too costly for them; they might have mistakenly let it lapse; they might be confused by the different options and still be choosing; or they might think that they’re just lucky and will never crash. When those drivers get into accidents, it poses a big issue for you, who now have to figure out how to pay for fixing your car and any medical bills.

This is where uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage comes in to save the day. Both uninsured and underinsured coverage exists to protect you when you are in an accident with a person whose insurance coverage cannot cover some or any of your property damage or bodily injury. But of course, this policy will only kick in if you’ve purchased it beforehand. Since 14.9% of New Jersey drivers were uninsured in 2015, and we can tell you from firsthand experience that many Princeton drivers are underinsured, we strongly recommend you purchase UM/UIM coverage!

What Affects the Cost of Your Insurance?

There are different factors that go into the rate of your insurance. Here are some of the most common ones:

  • The vehicle: The type of car you drive can have an effect on the cost of your insurance. Typically an older car will cost less, whereas a luxury car will cost more. The different makes and models and what it costs to insure them vary from insurer to insurer. It’s important to look at different offers to determine the best one for you.
  • Your driving record: Your driving record plays a big role in determining your rate. If you have a lot of violations or accidents, your rate will be higher than that of a driver who possesses a cleaner record.
  • Your age: Unfortunately, younger people are considered more at-risk drivers, hence their rates are typically higher.
  • Vehicle use: How you plan to use the vehicle affects the rate of your insurance. The distance you typically drive everyday will be taken into account when insurers calculate your premium.
  • Policy changes: Adding a new driver, moving to a different area, and adjusting your coverage can all have an impact on your insurance rate.

Contact Us After an Accident

Having the right auto insurance is an absolute necessity for any driver. Nobody is hoping for a car accident, but it’s always good to prepare for the worst-case scenario. You do not want to carry the burden of costs associated with a wreck on your shoulders. Protect yourself with a good amount of coverage that will work in your benefit if you’re in an accident with a person who does not have coverage.

If you or someone you know have been injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to call Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C., at (609) 240-0040. We offer a free consultation, and if we take your case, you owe us no fees unless we get compensation for you.

The firm’s principals, Gabriel R. Lependorf and David E. Silverstein, have each been representing injured victims in the State of New Jersey for over thirty years.

Call Our Office At (609) 240-0040 Today for Help