Full Coverage Car Insurance and Injuries

Many drivers assume that having “full coverage” auto insurance guarantees that all accident-related damages will be paid. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, especially when serious injuries are involved. Understanding what “full coverage” actually means and its limitations under Idaho law is critical to protecting yourself after a crash.

At Johnson & Lundgreen, we help drivers across Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, and throughout Idaho navigate insurance claims, identify coverage gaps, and pursue the compensation they deserve after serious accidents.

What ‘Full Coverage’ Really Means

The term “full coverage” is commonly used by insurance agents and advertisements, but it is not a legal term. Typically, “full coverage” refers to a combination of:

Liability insurance, which pays for damages you cause to others
Collision coverage, which covers damage to your own vehicle in an accident
Comprehensive coverage, which protects against non-collision damage like theft, fire, or vandalism

Noticeably, these coverages do not automatically cover all medical expenses, long-term care, or injuries caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers. Many drivers are surprised when serious injuries leave them with out-of-pocket costs despite carrying “full coverage.”

Common Gaps in Coverage

Even with a “full coverage” policy, there are gaps that can leave drivers vulnerable:

Medical Payments (MedPay) Coverage Limits

Idaho does not require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, since the state follows a fault-based insurance system rather than a no-fault model. Instead, some policies include optional MedPay coverage. While helpful, the limits are often low. In cases of fractures, surgeries, or long-term rehabilitation, MedPay benefits may run out quickly, leaving you responsible for remaining medical costs.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

If the at-fault driver has no insurance or carries only the state minimum, your medical bills and lost wages may not be fully covered unless you have UM or UIM coverage. Idaho law requires insurers to offer this coverage, but you can reject it in writing—meaning it’s not guaranteed in every “full coverage” policy.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain, suffering, and interference with your normal and usual activities after a serious accident are not always offered by the insurers who should be paying. To recover these losses, you may need to bring a personal injury claim. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for amounts that fall short of what injured drivers truly need.

Serious Injury Scenarios Where Gaps Matter

Consider these examples where “full coverage” may fall short:

Fractures or broken bones requiring multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation
Spinal injuries needing ongoing physical therapy or assistive devices
Traumatic brain injuries resulting in long-term care and cognitive rehabilitation
Soft tissue injuries that lead to chronic pain or limitations
Accidents with uninsured or underinsured drivers where liability coverage is insufficient

In these situations, medical bills and lost wages can quickly exceed policy limits, leaving victims to cover remaining costs unless additional coverage or a personal injury claim is pursued.

Why Working With an Idaho Auto Injury Lawyer Matters

Insurance companies often exploit coverage gaps to minimize payouts. Even if your policy includes UM/UIM or medical coverage, insurers may:

Argue that your injuries aren’t serious enough
Claim partial fault to reduce your payout
Delay payments while you recover

At Boise Valley Johnson & Lundgreen, we help Idaho drivers:

Understand the specifics of their insurance policies
Maximize UM/UIM and medical coverage where applicable
Document injuries, including fractures, surgeries, and long-term care
Negotiate with insurers for fair compensation
File a personal injury lawsuit when necessary

Our attorneys have extensive experience with serious injury claims in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, and across Idaho, ensuring that clients are not left undercompensated due to misleading “full coverage” labels.

Steps to Protect Yourself

Review your policy carefully, don’t rely on marketing terms like “full coverage.”
Confirm UM/UIM and medical coverage limits and increase them if necessary.
Seek immediate medical care for any injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
Document all treatments, lost wages, and lifestyle impacts.
Consult an experienced Idaho personal injury attorney to ensure you receive the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Confirm Coverage With Johnson & Lundgreen

“Full coverage” doesn’t always mean full protection. Serious injuries from car accidents can leave you facing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care costs that exceed standard policy limits. Understanding your coverage and working with experienced legal counsel is essential to safeguard your recovery.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Twin Falls, or anywhere in Idaho, Johnson & Lundgreen can help you navigate your policy, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve.