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Auto insurance in Owensboro, explained line by line.
Kentucky sets a minimum, and the minimum rarely covers a serious accident. I explain what each part of an auto policy does, what Kentucky requires, and where more coverage is worth the money.
What Kentucky requires
- Liability
- At least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries you cause, and $25,000 for property damage, or a $60,000 single limit.
- Personal injury protection
- No-fault benefits of up to $10,000 per person for medical bills and lost wages after an accident, no matter who caused it.
- Uninsured motorist
- Included on your liability policy unless you reject it in writing.
- Underinsured motorist
- Available when you ask for it. It helps when the other driver’s limits are too low for your injuries.
Kentucky is a choice no-fault state. You can file a form with the Department of Insurance rejecting the limits on your right to sue. It keeps your full right to sue after an accident, but others keep their full right to sue you, and you cannot collect personal injury protection unless you buy it back. Talk to me before you sign one.
Sources: KRS 304.39-110, 304.39-020, 304.39-060, 304.20-020 and 304.39-320.
The parts of an auto policy
- Liability
- Pays for injuries and damage you cause to others, up to your limits.
- Collision
- Repairs or replaces your vehicle after a crash, minus your deductible.
- Comprehensive
- Theft, hail, fire, falling trees and hitting a deer.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist
- Your injuries when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough.
- Personal injury protection
- No-fault medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers.
- Roadside and rental
- Optional additions for a tow, a jump start or a rental car while yours is repaired.
Why the minimum is rarely enough
If you cause a crash and the injuries or damage cost more than your limits, you can be personally responsible for the rest. Hospital bills add up quickly, and many newer vehicles cost more than $25,000 to replace. It is worth pricing a few limits side by side before you decide.
What to have ready for a quote
- Driver’s license numbers for everyone in your household who drives
- Vehicle identification numbers (VINs)
- Your current declarations page
- Any tickets or accidents in the last few years
Auto insurance questions
Does Kentucky require full coverage?
Kentucky law requires liability coverage and personal injury protection. If you have a loan or a lease on the vehicle, the lender will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage too.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Kentucky?
It is included on Kentucky auto liability policies unless you reject it in writing. Underinsured motorist coverage is available when you ask for it. Both protect you when the other driver cannot pay for your injuries, so I recommend a close look before turning either one down.
Should I reject no-fault?
Only after you understand the trade. Rejecting the no-fault limits keeps your full right to sue after an accident, but it also lets others sue you, and you give up personal injury protection benefits unless you buy them back. Talk to me before you sign that form.
What affects my auto insurance rate?
Your driving record, your vehicles, where they are kept, the coverage and deductibles you choose, and other factors each company uses. Companies weigh these differently, which is why quotes vary.
Coverage you understand, at a price you can check.
Call, or send the form and I will call you back to go over your drivers, vehicles and current coverage.
(270) 302-0524Mike’s direct line