Kentucky Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Kentucky law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance to protect others when they cause or contribute to an accident. The state’s laws require a 25/50/25 breakdown. In addition, drivers must carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection. Consider the following details about Kentucky’s minimum car insurance requirements and how they affect you, with help from a Lexington car accident lawyer at Gary C. Johnson, P.S.C.

Kentucky Minimum Liability Insurance

Under Kentucky law, all drivers must purchase and maintain liability insurance at the following minimum levels:

• $25,000 in personal injury insurance per person
• $50,000 in personal injury insurance per accident
• $25,000 in property damage coverage per accident

You cannot legally register a vehicle in the state without these minimum requirements. This insurance coverage protects others when you cause injuries to them, whether to their person or property. It does not cover your vehicle or your losses.

These are the very lowest levels of protection drivers must have to register and operate their vehicles in the state. Most drivers recognize these levels as too low and increase their coverage to better match the actual amount and type of risk present. In many accidents, these limits would not be enough to cover medical costs, leaving the driver personally responsible for the remaining balance.

Take the First Step in Your Personal Injury Claim

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lexington

Understanding Kentucky PIP Requirements

Kentucky is a no-fault state. That means that most drivers will maintain their required $10,000 in PIP coverage. That coverage means several things. First, the first $10,000 in medical expenses for treatment related to the accident is covered by your PIP policy, issued by your own insurer. No matter who causes the accident, your insurance pays up to the amount of coverage you have. Your PIP insurance could cover:

• Up to $10,000 for treatment for medical care received in direct relation to the accident
• Up to 85% of your gross income in lost wages, up to $200 per week
• Up to $25 per day for services you cannot do yourself, such as caring for your home
• Survivor benefits in cases of a fatal car accident

Remember that these policies cover you based on the amount of PIP you obtain and whether you maintain a policy. But you have options. Drivers can keep their no-fault insurance, which means their PIP coverage pays all costs first. Or drivers can reject no-fault in writing, which means they retain the right to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver.

Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Kentucky requires all insurance providers to offer uninsured/underinsured coverage. You can choose not to obtain it if you want. However, it is rarely beneficial to do so. These policies pay for damages when the at-fault driver lacks insurance coverage.

This type of insurance pays the gap when the at-fault driver’s policy does not cover all of your losses (for underinsured) or when the driver lacks any insurance (uninsured). Many drivers maintain these protections because of the financial risks associated with being in an accident.

What to Do When You Need to File a Claim

In situations where you need to file an insurance claim against Kentucky’s minimum car insurance requirements, it is best to meet with an attorney to help you through the legal process. In many cases, you may not get the type and amount of financial recovery you need, and a personal injury attorney in Lexington, KY can help you navigate your rights. Call Gary C. Johnson P.S.C., for a free consultation today.