Indiana drivers must carry proof of financial responsibility, usually in the form of auto insurance, to operate a vehicle legally. Minimum requirements include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $25,000 for property damage per accident
These limits are often referred to as 25/50/25 coverage. You cannot legally drive in Indiana without proof of these minimum coverage amounts.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is Bodily Injury Coverage?
- 2 What Is Property Damage Coverage?
- 3 What Is Full Coverage Insurance in Indiana?
- 4 What Other Insurance Coverage Is Available in Indiana?
- 5 Is It Illegal to Drive Without Insurance in Indiana?
- 6 What Happens If the Person At Fault in an Indiana Car Accident Has No Insurance?
- 7 Why Choose Truitt Law Offices for Your Car Accident Case?
- 8 Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
What Is Bodily Injury Coverage?
When you injure someone in a car crash you caused, bodily injury coverage pays for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. It does not cover your own injuries and losses. In Indiana, drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 in coverage for the injury or death of one person and $50,000 for the injury or death of two or more people in an accident.
This coverage also protects you if the injured party decides to sue. Without enough bodily injury coverage, you might have to pay the injured person’s losses and your legal fees out of pocket if you are at fault in a car accident.
What Is Property Damage Coverage?
Property damage coverage pays for damage you cause to someone else’s property in an accident. In Indiana, drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 in property damage coverage. This coverage applies to things like other people’s cars, fences, buildings, or any other property you damage while driving. If the damage you cause exceeds your policy limit, you might have to pay the remaining costs out of pocket.
Property damage coverage does not cover damage to your own vehicle after an accident – that’s what collision coverage is for. Collision coverage is important because it prevents you from having to pay for expensive repairs or replacements after a crash, whether or not you are at fault.
What Is Full Coverage Insurance in Indiana?
Full coverage insurance is a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Liability coverage includes bodily injury and property damage, which state law requires. Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage caused by non-collision events like theft, fire, or weather-related incidents.
Full coverage offers broader protection than the minimum liability insurance required by Indiana law. However, “full coverage” does not mean your policy covers everything. For example, it usually doesn’t include extras like rental car coverage or towing unless you add them to your policy. Still, full coverage can help you avoid large out-of-pocket expenses after an accident or other damaging event. Many lenders also require full coverage if you’re financing or leasing a vehicle since they have a financial interest in it until you pay off your loan or lease.
What Other Insurance Coverage Is Available in Indiana?
In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, Indiana drivers can choose from other types of insurance for extra protection, such as:
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage must be included in all auto policies in Indiana unless you reject them in writing. These types of coverage provide protection if you’re in a collision with a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage.
- Medical payments (MedPay) coverage can help you cover your and your passengers’ medical bills after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
- Towing and labor coverage can help you cover the costs of roadside assistance after a wreck.
- Rental reimbursement insurance covers the costs of rental cars while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered event.
Is It Illegal to Drive Without Insurance in Indiana?
It is illegal to drive without insurance in Indiana. Knowingly driving without insurance can result in fines and license suspension. You will have to provide proof that you have insurance and pay fees before you can get your license reinstated. There are greater penalties for subsequent offenses.
Indiana does allow self-insurance for certain businesses or individuals who can prove they have enough financial resources to cover crash-related expenses. To qualify, you must apply for and receive a Certificate of Self-Insurance from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).
What Happens If the Person At Fault in an Indiana Car Accident Has No Insurance?
You can still seek coverage for your losses if you get hurt in an Indiana car accident with an uninsured driver, though your options could be limited. If you have uninsured motorist coverage, they can help you cover your medical bills, property damage, and other accident-related costs. You could also file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to seek compensation in court. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you identify all possible sources of coverage and pursue maximum compensation for your crash-related losses.
Why Choose Truitt Law Offices for Your Car Accident Case?
Choose Truitt Law Offices to partner with a team that genuinely cares about your recovery. For over 40 years, our Fort Wayne personal injury lawyers have helped people like you rebuild their lives after severe accidents. With our insider perspective of insurance company defense strategies, we have a track record of obtaining maximum results for injury victims. We also have more than 100 five-star reviews on Google, where past clients say we’re a “very tight knit crew that is understanding and helpful.”
During your free consultation, we’ll take the time to listen to your story and understand how your injuries have affected your life. Our team will also handle all aspects of your case, from dealing with medical providers and bill collectors to investigating the crash and working with experts. Let us use our decades of experience to fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.
Contact an Indiana Car Accident Lawyer
Don’t wait to get the help you need after a car accident. Contact Truitt Law Offices now for a free consultation, and we’ll take care of the legal work for you. You pay nothing unless we win for you.
