Is Your Auto Insurance Really Enough? Here’s What You Need to Know

Is Your Auto Insurance Really Enough? Here’s What You Need to Know

Here’s a sobering fact: According to a 2023 Insurance Research Council study, 1 in 7 drivers does NOT carry insurance. Whatever the reason for not having insurance, uninsured drivers put everyone else at risk. If you’re hit by one of them, you could be stuck facing major medical bills, car repairs, and emotional stress… alone.

At Johnson Jensen, we’ve seen the devastating impact collisions can have on families. Many clients assume the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover everything, only to find out too late that there isn’t enough — or any — coverage.

The good news: You can protect yourself now.

How Much Insurance Do You Really Need?

Minimum coverage might satisfy the law, but it often isn’t enough to cover you if you’re in a collision. Here’s what you should know:

Personal Liability Coverage

Covers: Injuries you cause to others.

Indiana Minimum: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.

Our advice: Aim for $100,000 to $300,000. Serious injuries can easily surpass the minimum limits.

 

Property Damage Coverage

Covers: Damage to others’ vehicles or property.

Indiana Minimum: $25,000 per accident.

Reality: Totaling a $40,000 car with minimum coverage could leave you personally responsible for thousands, particularly without gap insurance

 

Medical Payments Coverage

Covers: Medical bills for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.

Required? No, but essential.

Reality: Even basic ER visits can cost thousands without it.

Our Advice: Get the maximum your insurer offers, but at a minimum, get at least $5k.

 

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Covers: You, if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance.

Required? Yes, but you can waive it in writing..

Our advice: Always have this. It protects you when the other driver is uninsured or has minimum coverage.

 

Our Strong Recommendation

We encourage you to have as much coverage as you can afford.

But, at a minimum, we recommend:

  • $100,000 to $300,000 in personal liability, uninsured, and underinsured coverage
  • $5,000 in medical payments coverage

If your budget allows, consider even higher limits — or add an umbrella policy for $1 million in extra protection. Surprisingly, better coverage often costs just a few dollars each month.

 

A Few More Things to Remember

Insurance costs vary based on your driving record, car, age, location, and more.

Take time to review your policy, compare options, and invest in the best protection you can afford.

No one plans to be in a crash. But if the worst happens, you’ll be thankful you took steps now to safeguard yourself and your family.

At Johnson Jensen, we make sure our families have strong insurance. We’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is — and we encourage you to protect yours, too.

 

Next Steps

Take some time to review your insurance policy. Ask questions, do your research, and ensure you have enough coverage to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s a small effort that can make a big difference.

If you’ve been injured in a collision, Johnson Jensen is here for you when you’re ready. Call 317.269.7799 or fill out our online form here: https://johnsonjensen.com/contact.