Are you insured?

[Chuey]

I was in a single vehicle accident in February. It is time when things like the ambulance bill ($1,044.00) are showing up in my mailbox.

Today, I called Geico to make the report and try to get the ambulance company paid. Turns out, I do not have coverage for anything resulting from that accident.

My policy has pretty high limits $100,000/300,000. I am insured for uninsured motorist damage in the same amount. There is no medical coverage for me at all unless I am the victim of an uninsured motorist. As I understood my policy, I had those fairly high limits for liability, medical and uninsured motorist eventualities. I didn't even know uninsured motorist coverage could be sold separately from coverage that covers my medical costs. I had understood the uninsured motorist coverage as something you could tack on to your medical coverage.

I feel somewhat betrayed by Geico and the agent who sold me the policy. I have five bikes insured by them and it will soon go to zero, as I'm looking elsewhere.

Do any of you have recommendations for a good insurance company? I think I'm through with the big ones that only have central offices. I want to talk to an actual agent. I feel that if I had, I would have been told that the policy I bought did not cover medical expenses.

Chuey

[bbelk]

I have made two claims, both on my boat, to Progressive and have been very satisfied with the results. My motorcycles are not with them for complicated and historic reasons, but I am pretty sure that my body is not covered in any of my policies. I think my passenger is. I know on my boat policy, passengers are.

[Major Softie]

You will be no less "betrayed" by any other insurance company. In CA, medical coverage for yourself is not part of a standard policy. The assumption is, I believe, that you have medical coverage already, and thus you would be paying for it twice if it was part of your vehicle policy.

Put another way, you are not insured by your vehicle policy - your vehicle is, and you are insured against liability for things you do to other people and property with that vehicle, but you are not insured for what happens to you unless you add that in addition to your standard policy.

Other states may be quite different, but this is the way CA vehicle insurance is structured, regardless of the company you're dealing with.

Oh, and I have Progressive. I've made no claims on my motorcycle policy since TDoTD (The Death of The Duc). They handled that in a very straightforward manner, but, just like yourself, no coverage for the ambulance.

[Chuey]

I have made two claims, both on my boat, to Progressive and have been very satisfied with the results. My motorcycles are not with them for complicated and historic reasons, but I am pretty sure that my body is not covered in any of my policies. I think my passenger is. I know on my boat policy, passengers are.

And, that's the main reason I posted this. If you don't know, it's worth looking into.

Chuey

[ME 109]

I have made two claims, both on my boat, to Progressive and have been very satisfied with the results. My motorcycles are not with them for complicated and historic reasons, but I am pretty sure that my body is not covered in any of my policies. I think my passenger is. I know on my boat policy, passengers are.

And, that's the main reason I posted this. If you don't know, it's worth looking into.

Chuey

Just step out in front of a slow driving gawker after you stack, and Bob's yer uncle, mate.
Claim your injuries on him.

[SteveD]

Minimal ambo costs are up over $700 here in Victoria. However, there is the option to join the State Gov run ambo service for a reasonable annual fee. No further costs then.

[bbelk]

Its hard learning new languages....

...And Bob's your uncle is an expression of unknown origin, commonly used in Britain and Commonwealth nations. Typically, someone says it to conclude a set of simple instructions, similar to the French expression "et voilà !".

"Bob's your uncle" is an exclamation that is used when "everything is all right" and the simple means of obtaining the successful result is explained. For example: "left over right; right over left, and Bob's your uncle – a square knot". Sometimes the phrase is followed with "and Nellie's your aunt" or "and Fanny's your aunt". It is sometimes elaborately phrased Robert is your mother's brother or similar for comic effect.

[Steve in Golden]

Bob's Yer Uncle - Happy Mondays

[Jeff in W.C.]

They say the devil’s in the details (or fine print). There’s always a list of things included in a policy, but not much of one indicating what’s not included. I have made a few claims over the years to State Farm, but none of them included injuries, so I’m not sure it’s a good example. However, I’ve been happy with the claim service I’ve gotten with State Farm (I’ve had State Farm for the last 30+ years). Initially, the agent was a good friend of my dad’s, which helped I think. FBOW, the friend of my dad’s retired about 5-10 years ago and sold the business to another agent. Overall, I think the key here is a good agent, not so much the company. A good agent will inform you of your choices and what’s not included.

No matter how you cut it, dealing with insurance companies is one of the biggest pains in life. I’ve heard good and bad from all insurance companies. Granted some have more complaints than others. My suggestion would be to find a good local insurance agent about what you expect from the agent. That’s no guarantee, but it’s a start.

On a side note, when dealing with the providers (doctors, ambulance service, etc.), don’t forget to negotiate a lower price. All these providers provide discounted rates for insurance companies and will often reduce their fees if asked.

[Zombie Master]

You have to read the wordings. There is no other way. Agents haven't a clue what they are selling you.