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(253) 272-5226The best time to understand what your insurance policy covers is before you need it. In our experience as injury lawyers, having the right coverage can make a difference of thousands of dollars after a crash. In this post, we’ll share five questions to ask your insurance agent now so you can better protect yourself and your family if an accident happens later.
We also understand that insurance costs have gone up for many families. A policy with every possible add-on may not fit every budget. Our goal isn’t to tell you what to buy, but to help you make informed choices based on your needs, your risk level, and what you can afford.
The most natural time to ask questions is when you are shopping for a new insurance policy. With the rising cost of premiums, it’s a smart approach to request multiple quotes. However, when you’re comparing those quotes? Make sure you’re comparing coverage types, not just price.
If you’re happy with your current insurance carrier, the top of the year is also a good time to review your policy. Chances are good that taxes, budgeting, and finances are already on your mind.
It’s also smart to review your coverage after major life changes, such as adding a teen driver to your policy or purchasing a new vehicle.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, also called UM or UIM, is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. While it’s not required, we have seen it make a major difference for people injured in collisions.
According to a 2025 report from the Insurance Information Institute, more than 19% of drivers in Washington State are uninsured, even though auto insurance is required by law. Drivers who don’t carry insurance often engage in other risky behaviors as well, such as speeding or aggressive driving. In other words, these drivers are often more likely to cause a crash in the first place.
Even when a driver is insured, they may carry only the minimum coverage required by Washington. If you’re seriously injured, their policy limits may not come close to covering your medical bills and other losses.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you in both situations. For a deeper look at this topic, see our post explaining how UIM coverage works.
Personal Injury Protection, or PIP, is another optional add-on to your auto insurance policy. It helps pay for medical treatment after a crash, no matter who caused the accident. PIP may also help with lost wages and other related expenses.
PIP coverage can allow you to get medical care right away without waiting for fault to be determined. However, PIP benefits are limited and can run out quickly, especially after a serious injury.
It’s important to ask your insurance agent what your PIP coverage includes, what the limits are, and how long those benefits last. For a bit of a deeper dive, make sure to see our post on how PIP works.
A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance company pays for vehicle repairs. Deductibles can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
Choosing a higher deductible often lowers your monthly premium. While this can save money each month, it’ important to ask yourself one key question: If I was in a crash today, could I comfortably afford to pay the deductible?
Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash, regardless of who caused it.
Comprehensive coverage applies to damage that isn’t caused by a collision. For instance, suppose your car was stolen or damaged by a falling tree. That’s where comprehensive comes in.
It’s important to note that both types of coverage protect your vehicle, not your medical bills. Adding coverage usually increases your premium, so it’s worth considering the value of your car and how long you plan to keep it. For example, if you drive an older vehicle or plan to replace it soon, you may decide that carrying both types of coverage no longer makes sense.
After a crash, your health should always come first. Still, many people worry about how medical care will be paid for.
In many cases, coverage works in this general order:
Every situation is different, which is why it’s a good idea to ask your agent how your policy works. Insurance coverage can overlap, run out, or involve disputes about fault.
Not everyone can afford every type of coverage or the highest limits available. Insurance is about finding a balance between risk and affordability.
Many people make tradeoffs, such as choosing a higher deductible to lower monthly costs or prioritizing coverage that protects people over property. In some cases, it may make sense to skip comprehensive coverage on an older vehicle you plan to replace soon.
The key is understanding what you are giving up and what you are protecting. Even if you keep your coverage the way it is, knowing how it works empowers you.
If you’ve been injured in a collision and are struggling to make sense of the insurance process, please reach out. A compassionate personal injury lawyer from Ladenburg Law would be happy to speak with you at no cost and no obligation.
To get started, call us now at 253.272.5226 or fill out the short form on our contact page.