After a crash, identify the coverage involved before comparing an estimate, bill, or settlement offer. A policy can contain several coverages with different purposes. This guide is a starting point for organizing questions, not a determination that a particular loss is covered.
What the main coverages address
| Coverage | General purpose | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | Injuries you cause to others. | What per-person and per-accident limits apply? |
| Property damage liability | Damage you cause to someone else’s property. | Which vehicles and other property share the limit? |
| Collision | Damage to your vehicle from a collision. | What deductible applies? |
| Comprehensive | Specified non-collision losses, such as theft, fire or vandalism. | Does the loss fall within the policy terms? |
| UM/UIM bodily injury | Qualifying injuries involving an uninsured or underinsured responsible driver. | Who is insured and what conditions apply? |
| Medical payments (MedPay) | Covered medical expenses regardless of fault, within purchased limits. | Which expenses and people qualify? |
| Rental reimbursement | Rental expenses associated with a covered loss. | What daily and total limits apply? |
Limits, deductibles and the accident date
A limit caps the applicable coverage; a deductible is the portion of a covered loss assigned to the insured. Use the declarations, policy and endorsements effective on the accident date. An insurance ID card alone does not describe every coverage.
Turn a confusing claim into specific questions
Write down each unresolved item separately: vehicle repair, rental expenses, medical bills, missed work and an injury settlement. Next to each item, record the insurer, claim number, coverage being considered and documents requested. This keeps a repair discussion from obscuring questions about injuries.
For example, if an adjuster discusses a vehicle estimate, ask whether the discussion concerns your collision coverage or the other driver’s property damage liability. Then ask separately who is evaluating the bodily injury portion. Record the answer rather than assuming one payment resolves every part of the incident.
Read the detailed guides
- How to read your auto policy
- California UM and UIM claims
- Using MedPay after a California crash
- Insurer claims contacts
Source: California Department of Insurance automobile insurance guide. Coverage depends on the contract and facts; this page does not recommend a particular policy or insurer.
Questions about an injury claim?
Weiss Attorneys offers free consultations about California auto accident and slip, trip and fall injuries. Call (213) 583-0977 or request a consultation. Our office is in Sherman Oaks; phone and video consultations are available. Hablamos español. Representation requires the firm’s acceptance and a written agreement.
