When considering which car insurance to purchase, it is essential to think about possible medical bills that may arise from a car accident. Although it is also vital to consider the financial implications of damage to your vehicle, your physical well-being is far more important. Healthcare after an accident can be costly, so making sure all of your bases are covered in the event of an accident is a wise move.

Medical payments coverage (commonly known as Med-Pay in California), will pay for medical costs for injuries you have sustained from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. Medical payments coverage is not required in California, but if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, it can be used to take care of all reasonable and necessary medical bills.

Medical payments coverage may help pay for:

  • Treatment of your injuries and injuries sustained by your passengers.
  • Necessary dental treatment as a result of a car accident.
  • Injuries sustained as a pedestrian or bicyclist if you are hit by a car.
  • Funeral expenses.

The benefits and limitations of medical payments coverage will differ from company to company. Make sure you speak with a knowledgeable insurance agent or customer service representative to fully understand the details of the medical payments coverage each company offers.

Purchasing Medical Payments Coverage

Take a close look at your health insurance policy to see what kind of coverage it provides for injuries sustained from a car accident. If you find that your health insurance does not cover these types of injuries, medical payments coverage can be very useful. Additionally, your personal injury protection coverage may not be enough to cover expensive medical bills that can result from being injured in a car accident. You may find that the cost of additional coverage is worth it in the long run.

Many people worry that their insurance rates will go up if they use medical payments coverage. However, if you were not at fault in an automobile accident, insurance companies are prohibited from raising your insurance rates for utilizing your benefits, including medical payments coverage.

Know Your Policy

All insurance policies are different, so again, speak with an agent to know exactly what your auto insurance covers. Review the declaration page of your policy to find out if medical payments coverage is available, and if so, how much it costs. Read your policy carefully and become familiar with any exclusions and benefits it provides. Insurers do not always make it clear that the coverage is available for use, and the process of utilizing the benefits you do have can be convoluted.

Seeking assistance from experienced personal injury lawyers who can help you understand how to use your medical payments coverage can make a challenging time easier. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your medical care is covered will allow you to tend to the business of healing and get you back on the road before you know it.