What Does “Full Coverage” Really Mean?

When it comes to car insurance, a lot of people believe they have “full coverage,” but what that actually means can be very different from what they expect. After an accident, that misunderstanding can lead to some costly surprises. Recently, David Greene joined Studio 10 to help clear things up.

We hear people say “I’ve got full coverage” all the time. What does that actually mean?
That’s one of the biggest misconceptions we see. “Full coverage” isn’t really a technical term in insurance. It usually just means someone has a combination of coverages, like liability, collision, and comprehensive, but it doesn’t mean you’re covered for everything.

So what are some of the gaps people might not realize they have?
One of the biggest ones is uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. A lot of people don’t realize that just because they have “full coverage,” it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re protected if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance, or any at all.

And that’s something we see pretty often, right?
We do. Unfortunately, there are a lot of drivers on the road who either don’t have insurance or don’t have enough. Without that additional coverage, people can find themselves in a tough situation even if the accident wasn’t their fault.

Are there other areas where people misunderstand their coverage?
Yes, medical coverage is another one. Some policies include medical payments coverage, but not all do. So people may assume their medical bills are automatically covered, and that’s not always the case.

What should someone do to make sure they’re actually protected?
It’s a good idea to sit down and review your policy, either with your agent or someone who understands how these coverages work. Make sure you know what you have and what you might be missing, especially when it comes to uninsured motorist coverage.

And if someone is in an accident and finds out their coverage isn’t what they thought?
That’s when it’s really important to understand your options. These situations can get complicated, and having someone walk you through it can make a big difference in protecting your rights and your recovery.

And if someone has questions about their coverage or a claim?
If you’ve been injured and aren’t sure how your insurance applies, it can be helpful to speak with an attorney who handles these types of cases, like the lawyers at Greene & Phillips. Call, text, or come by anytime.