Personal Auto Coverage
Policy parts
Part A liability pays bodily injury and property damage the insured is legally liable for, using split limits (for example 50/100/50) or a combined single limit. Part B medical payments pays reasonable medical expenses regardless of fault, subject to a small limit. Part C uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays when the at-fault driver lacks insurance or has insufficient limits; some states require it. Part D covers damage to the insured vehicle: collision versus other than collision (comprehensive).
Who and what is covered
The named insured, a resident spouse, and family members are insureds. Anyone using a covered auto with permission is also an insured. Covered autos include the described auto, newly acquired autos, temporary substitute autos, trailers, and non-owned autos, each subject to conditions. Newly acquired autos typically get 14 days of automatic coverage; if the auto replaces one already on the policy, the same 14-day window applies, so prompt reporting is required.
Traps
- Livery, delivery, rideshare without endorsement, racing, and business use exclusions.
- Owned autos not listed on the policy.
- Named driver exclusions that remove a household member.
- Confusing UM with UIM.
- Stacking rules that vary by state.
Rule of thumb: permission plus a covered auto equals an insured; payment to carry persons or property for a fee points toward livery or business use, where coverage may fail.