Cheap insurance

[rrs49]

About a year ago, I was riding with a friend. I stopped at an intersection, my partner didn't, ran in the back of me...causing a prety severe compound fracture in both bones of left arm.

After three surgery, three days in hospital, medical bills over $76k, his Progresive agent shows up at my house, hands me a check for $10,000 and says get well. His absolute policy limits. Nothing more will be paid unless I want to sue my friend.

Fortunately, my health insurance picked up amounts over the $10 k, and I had State Farm coverage for uninsured / under insured motorists. After a year, they settled with my health insurer, and I actually received a surprisingly adequate check.

If the guy that hit me was not a friend, we would be in court...I still have limited use of my pinky finger and limited range of motion. I still have some physical therapy going on. I did insist that he buy decent insurance instead of minimum limits. It ain't that much more expensive.

Moral of the story, when purchasing insurance....go past price and consider other issues.

[rdnkjeeper]

Well Said, sorry about your accident.

[tdkkart]

Thanks for that. Insurance is one of those neccesary evils that we don't like to talk about, or pay for, but when you need it you'll be glad it's there, no matter if it's your's or someone else's.
Liability insurance is dirt cheap, do the right thing and protect yourself and others.

[Laconia]

Glad you manged to recover, I could never understand why anyone would not have coverage - I'm sure he never expected to hurt a friend, and can only imagine how he felt after he did, then found out what type of offerings they gave you, how fortunate he was you had coverage.... He's lucky he had a friend!

[rlaf75]

Originally Posted by Laconia

Glad you manged to recover, I could never understand why anyone would not have coverage - I'm sure he never expected to hurt a friend, and can only imagine how he felt after he did, then found out what type of offerings they gave you, how fortunate he was you had coverage.... He's lucky he had a friend!

+1.. well said

[rrs49]

In most states, Insurance companies work the state boards of insurance like YoYo Ma strokes a cello. Rates are generally set by the state, without regard to what company. Look for a carrier with an agent you can deal with, and get coverage you need. Minimums are just fine until you have a claim. And always get uninsured / under-insured motorist coverage. There are a lot of dickheads out there with no coverage

[ironmark]

Did your friend have insurance? If he did then SUE the pants off him, he doesn't have to pay his insurance company has to pay. I understand the friend thing but you have life long injuries and other issues and someone should pay for causing you this problem. Don't forget that your personal liability pays your loss wages if you were employed when you had the accident, that is a 24/7 coverage.

[TLWiz]

State Farm will probably sue your friend to recoup their money - and since it was his fault they'll easily get a judgement for the full amount plus a lot more for expenses. Good job having the uninsured / underinsured coverage - it seems that the uninsured and underinsured are the worst drivers and riders and most likely to mess you up. If your friend is not a penniless bum he will probably greatly regret his low coverage choice.

I do have a hard time understanding how three days in the hospital can cost $76,000.00 but that is our great system at work. Get well!

[BigBadandPlaid]

I use an Independent Agent. Mine for an '08 RG 50/100 was 490.-/yr. I went to 250/500 and it is $620.-/yr full on everything. I'm in TN ............



john