Are Passengers Covered by Auto Insurance?

Auto insurance for passengers can get hazy - know how yours works in Westchester County, NY!

If you get injured as a passenger in someone else's car, you need to know how to protect yourself. Determining who is at fault and who has insurance can be a complicated and drawn out process, so be sure you know when to act.

If the driver of the other car is at fault.

In New York, drivers are required to cover a minimum of liability coverage:

• $10,000 for property damage for a single accident
• $25,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for death for a person involved in an accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury and $100,000 for death for two or more people in an accident

This coverage covers the costs of your medical bills if you are injured. However, if the at-fault driver does not have insurance, or not enough liability insurance to cover your medical expenses, then you can turn to the driver's insurance company if the driver carries uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This would cover pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills for everyone in the car at the time of the accident. In short, it replaces the auto insurance that the at-fault driver should have had.

If your driver is at fault.

If your driver does not have the right auto insurance to cover your medical expenses, you can use your own health insurance to receive treatment for your injuries and pay for medical bills.

Passenger protection.

The best way to protect yourself when in someone else's car is to increase your insurance. If you do not have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, be sure to add it to your policy.

Get the best liability limits on your auto insurance to suit your needs and budget at Scavone Insurance Agency Center LLC. Located in White Plains, New York, contact us today for a quote!