Why having insurance on your vehicle doesn’t mean you’re personally protected — and what to do about it.
Picture This:
You’re driving home after a long day. You’ve got full coverage on your car — liability, collision, comprehensive, the works. You’re confident. Then, out of nowhere, someone runs a red light. There’s a crash. It’s bad.
You’re rushed to the hospital. You can’t work for weeks. Medical bills start piling up.
Then you realize: Your car was insured. But you weren’t.
Wait… Isn’t That the Same Thing?
Not exactly. Most people assume that if their vehicle is insured, they’re automatically covered for anything that happens. But in reality, auto insurance policies are full of small print and big gaps — especially when it comes to protecting you, the person behind the wheel.
Let’s break it down.
What Your Auto Policy Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
Most standard policies include these types of coverage:
- Liability Insurance: Covers damage or injury you cause to others.
- Collision: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
- Comprehensive: Covers non-crash damage (like theft or hail).
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Covers you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
But here’s the problem: none of this guarantees protection for you as a person.
Are You Covered for Medical Expenses?
That depends.
If you don’t have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay), your policy may not cover any of your medical bills — even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Many drivers skip these add-ons to save money, not realizing they’re leaving themselves financially exposed.
Lost Wages? Long-Term Recovery? Think Again.
Insurance won’t cover:
- Time off work
- Physical therapy
- Mental health care after trauma
- Long-term disability
Unless you have PIP, or in some cases, disability insurance or health insurance, you’re on your own.
And What If You’re Sued?
If someone else sues you for damages or injuries — maybe they claim the accident was your fault — liability insurance protects your assets. But only up to your coverage limit.
So if your liability limit is $50,000 and you’re sued for $200,000, guess who’s responsible for the rest?
Yep. You.
What You Can Do Right Now
Here are a few quick steps to make sure you’re as protected as your vehicle:
✅ Check Your Policy Today: Look beyond the words “full coverage.” Know your limits and coverages.
✅ Add PIP or MedPay If You Don’t Have It: Even $5–$10 a month can make a big difference in a crisis.
✅ Increase Liability Limits: The state minimum won’t cut it in a serious accident.
✅ Consider Umbrella Insurance: It’s extra protection when regular coverage runs out.
✅ Ask Your Agent Questions: If they can’t explain it clearly, they’re not the right agent.
Final Thoughts
You wouldn’t drive without airbags. So why drive without personal protection?
Your car may be insured, but you’re irreplaceable. Take the time to make sure you’re truly covered — not just your metal and paint.
Because when life hits hard, it’s not the car that matters. It’s you.