Fender Bender or Full Crash? How to Know What Your Auto Insurance Really Covers 

Understanding what your auto insurance covers is essential for every Indiana driver, whether you’ve experienced a minor fender bender or a more serious collision. At Lancaster Insurance Agency, our goal is to help you feel confident about your coverage, so you know what to expect if you ever need to file a claim.

What Does Personal Auto Insurance Cover in Indiana?

Auto insurance policies in Indiana typically include several types of coverage, each designed to protect you in different situations:

• Liability coverage—This is required by Indiana law and may help pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others in an accident.
• Collision coverage—Collision coverage may help pay for repairs to your own car after a crash, regardless of who was at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage—Comprehensive coverage may protect your vehicle financially after noncollision events, such as theft, vandalism, hail or hitting an animal.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage—If you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance (or any at all), this coverage may help pay for your injuries and, in some cases, property damage.

Fender Bender vs. Major Collision: What’s the Difference?

The difference between a minor fender bender and a major collision can affect how your insurance coverage applies. In the case of minor accidents, often referred to as fender benders, liability coverage is essential. If you are at fault, liability insurance may cover the damage to the other party’s vehicle and property. However, to cover damage to your own vehicle, you’ll need to have collision coverage included in your policy.

In more serious accidents, such as major collisions, multiple types of coverage may be involved. In addition to liability and collision coverage, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage might also be necessary, particularly if the other driver lacks sufficient insurance. Furthermore, medical payments coverage can help pay for medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.

Learn More

At Lancaster Insurance Agency, we’re here to review your policy, explain your options and help you choose the right coverage for your needs. Contact us today to review your policy or get answers to your questions.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.