Erwin Insurance - Insurance Classroom

What is the difference between Single Limits and Split Limits?

Steve — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:11:47 +0000

You can purchase auto liability limits that combine bodily injury and property damage into one limit (Single), or list each individually (Split). The advantage of "Single" limits, is you never know whether your next accident will involve more injured people or more damaged property. If the limits are "Split", then you have a specific limit for each. I've listed an example below:

Single Limits	Split Limits
$300,000 Bodily Injury/Property Damage	$100,000 Per Person Bodily Injury
	$300,000 Per Accident Bodily Injury
	$50,000 Per Accident Property Damage

Let's say the accident injured two people and two vehicles. Person #1 had $150,000 in injuries, person #2 $50,000. Car #1 $30,000 in damage, car #2 $25,000. With Single limits all injuries/damages would be fully covered. With Split limits, person #1 would be $50,000 short in having their costs covered, and the policy would have run out of money ($5,000) for property damage to the two vehicles once the $50,000 in coverage was exhausted.

What kind of auto coverage should I buy?

Steve — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:16:54 +0000

In Montana, you are required to buy Liability and Uninsured Motorist coverage. Many will also buy Physical Damage coverage on their vehicle as well. A description of each of the coverages are on our Auto Definitions page.

Definitions

Steve — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:18:13 +0000

Any good understanding of insurance begins with understanding the terms. A page has been set up for both Auto an Homeowners definitions. Visit it at this link.

Types of Policies

Steve — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 12:15:35 +0000

Policies are categorized by the type of property they cover; home, auto, motorcycle, boat or recreational vehicle. With one of our companies, you can package all these coverages into one policy, but most times they are separate policies. In addition, many people buy an "Umbrella" policy. Umbrellas provide liability coverage, usually $1,000,000, over the coverage already provided by an existing auto, home, boat, motorcycle or recreational vehicle policy. If the limits you purchased on one of those policies run out, the Umbrella then takes over.