Reader’s Question:

I am from Delaware and am quite confused about car insurance requirements in this state. How much car insurance do I really need?

Louise

Wilmington, DE

Delaware is one of the few states that elected the no-fault act. This has been observed to reduce long court battles to determine who was at fault in an accident that resulted in destroyed property, bodily injuries, or even death. Bear in mind that it does not mean the driver at fault is off the hook and the other totally blameless. It simply means that after being involved in an accident, individuals involved should first look to their own insurance company for immediate financial assistance.

Delaware mandates that all of its drivers carry the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance. This will assist with costs of medical care, lost wages, funeral expenses if needed and death benefits for the family. If you have an excellent health insurance, you do not really have to buy an extensive PIP package. Just be sure to read thoroughly the declarations section in your auto insurance policy. If it is stated there that you have coordinated or excess medical coverage, then you will have to ask for financial assistance for medical care from your health insurer first. This way, you will be saved from the hassle of making calls to your car insurance company claiming assistance for necessary treatment to bodily injuries and be turned down because your health insurer is in charge of that. Remember that your PIP coverage will kick in second to pay for any remaining amount that your health insurance coverage was not able to pay.

Aside from PIP, motorists are required to carry minimum liability coverage of $15,000 to pay for medical care of one passenger, and a total of $30,000 for medical expenses for all passengers in the car. An amount up to $10,000 is allotted to cover for ruined public or private property and may include repairs to the other motorist’s car.

Knowing all of Delaware’s minimum car insurance requirements will aid you in deciding how much coverage to get. Always remember that it is always smart to buy as much coverage as you can afford.

Tags: Auto Insurance Policy, Bodily Injuries, Car Insurance Company, Court Battles, De Delaware, Death Benefits, Declarations Section, Funeral Expenses, Health Insurance, Health Insurance Coverage, Health Insurer, Insurance Requirements, Liability Coverage, Medical Coverage, Medical Expenses, Minimum Liability, Necessary Treatment, Own Insurance, Personal Injury Protection, Pip Insurance