Does Auto Insurance Cover the Damage to Personal Property in a Wreck?

Everyone carries personal possessions in their car and odds are you have a thing or two in your car right now that you may not necessarily need with you. That said, what happens if you are in an accident and these items are destroyed? For those looking for insurance coverage in the Newport Beach, CA area, the agents with Murvay Insurance can help you find a policy that is going to work best for you.

In regards to those personal effects that you have been carting around in your car, your insurance does cover them but not each item specifically. You do get some money in terms of liability settlement when you have an accident with which you can replace the items that were damaged or destroyed. If you have items that are very expensive, you should have coverage on them specifically to help make sure that they are going to be safe if you do have an accident. Items like very expensive electronics, expensive jewelry, and other items that are going to cost a great deal to replace will be best covered if you have a separate policy just for them.

You can get a bigger payout in some cases if you do prove to your insurance agency that the item was destroyed as a direct result of the wreck and the damage that it caused. Your personal property is something that you should be thinking about protecting each day so you can be sure that no matter what, you are going to be able to recover if your things are destroyed. You can always speak with an agent like those at Murvay Insurance in the Newport Beach, CA area to find out just what your policy covers and what additional coverage you may need.  

Is auto insurance required in California?

Sunny days and cool nights seem to be a signature for California life. There is, however, more to the state than beautiful beaches and picturesque mountains. California is home to thousands of drivers and, thus, has one of the highest records for accidents in the country.

With the probability of you having at least a fender-bender while driving in Newport Beach, CA fairly high, it is important that you understand the basics of auto insurance.  Do you really need car assurance if you live in California, though? The agents at Murvay Insurance can help you sort things out.

California auto insurance requirements

The state of California requires all drivers to furnish proof of financial responsibility. Most auto owners choose to purchase an indemnity policy that satisfies the minimum requirements in the state.

You need the following to legally drive in Newport Beach CA and throughout the region:

  • At least $15,000 per person for bodily injury. A minimum of $30,000 is required per accident for bodily injury.

  • A minimum of $5,000 per accident for property damage.

  • Uninsured motorist coverage for at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, at a minimum.

Of course, you would likely want to purchase a policy that exceeds the state’s minimums as one at-fault accident in California can lead to damages that far exceed the $5,000 minimum coverage for property damage and $15,000 per person for bodily injury.

Is auto insurance the only way to prove financial responsibility?

Many assume that California requires auto insurance because such is the way that many drivers go. In reality, individuals who furnish proof of a cash deposit of at least $35,000 with the department of motor vehicles (DMV) is an acceptable form of financial responsibility. Still, a cash certificate does not exempt you from a lawsuit if the damages that you can exceed $35,000.

The agents at Murvay Insurance can help you find the auto insurance policy that works best with your lifestyle. Call them today for a quote!