Are Funeral Expenses Covered With Car Insurance?

Funeral expenses can be covered by car insurance in particular scenarios which we will review later in this article. Keep in mind, funeral expenses are always an unexpected cost and something you want to prepare for (which we’ll help with in this article)!

Ever wonder if funeral expenses are covered by your car insurance? Keep reading, and we’ll dive into the details so you can make the appropriate decisions to protect yourself and your family from financial burden in the case of a sudden passing.

Funeral Expenses And Car Insurance Coverage

Car insurance policies typically provide coverage for damages or injuries that result from a car accident. Depending on the type of coverage you have, your policy may also cover funeral expenses in the event of a fatal accident.

However, it’s important to understand that not all car insurance policies cover funeral expenses, and the extent of coverage can vary.

Two Main Types Of Car Insurance Coverage May Provide Coverage For Funeral Expenses:

• Liability coverage (of the other party)
• Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage

Liability coverage helps cover the costs of damages or injuries to other parties involved in an accident that you are found to be at fault. If you are struck my another driver, their liability coverage may cover funeral expenses if they are deemed at fault.

Liability insurance also includes expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and legal fees.

However, liability coverage generally does not cover funeral expenses for the policyholder or passengers in their own vehicle.

Pro Tip: Liability coverage only helps with funeral expenses if you are hit by another vehicle. In these scenarios, their insurance company may pay damages that could cover funeral expenses.

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, on the other hand, is designed to cover the medical expenses and lost wages of the policyholder and passengers in their own vehicle, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. 

PIP coverage may also cover funeral expenses for the policyholder and passengers in their vehicle.

Pro Tip: It’s important to carefully review the terms of your car insurance policy to understand what types of coverage you have and whether funeral expenses are covered.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is a type of car insurance that helps cover the costs of damages or injuries to other parties involved in an accident that you are found to be at fault for.

This coverage typically includes expenses such as medical bills, property damage, and legal fees.

• Liability Coverage Is Usually Required By Law In Most States And Is Typically Offered In Two Types: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
• Bodily Injury Liability coverage helps cover the medical expenses of the other driver or passengers if you are at fault in an accident and they are injured.
• Property Damage Liability coverage helps cover the costs of damages to the other driver’s vehicle or other property if you are at fault in an accident.

While liability coverage is a vital protection to have, it generally does not cover funeral expenses for the policyholder or passengers in their vehicle.

If you are involved in a fatal accident and are found to be at fault, liability coverage may help cover the funeral expenses of the other driver or passengers, but it will not cover your own funeral expenses.

Pro Tip: If you have significant assets that you want to protect, such as a home or savings account, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage to provide additional protection (umbrella insurance policy).

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is a type of car insurance that helps cover the medical expenses and lost wages of the policyholder and passengers in their vehicle, regardless of who is at fault in the accident. 

PIP coverage may also cover funeral expenses for the policyholder and passengers in their own vehicle but there’s a monetary limitation on how much PIP coverage will help (usually $2,500 or less).

Pro Tip: PIP coverage is not required by law in all states, but it may be offered as an optional coverage in some states.

PIP Coverage Typically Includes A Number Of Benefits, Such As:

• Medical Expenses: PIP coverage helps cover the costs of medical treatment for injuries sustained in a car accident, including hospital stays, surgery, and rehabilitation.

• Lost Wages: If you are unable to work due to injuries sustained in a car accident, PIP coverage may help cover your lost wages.

• Funeral Expenses: If you or a passenger in your vehicle are involved in a fatal car accident, PIP coverage may help cover funeral expenses.

• Other Expenses: PIP coverage may also help cover additional expenses related to a car accident, such as transportation or childcare expenses.

It’s important to carefully review your car insurance policy terms to understand what types of PIP coverage you have and whether funeral expenses are covered.

Other Options For Covering Funeral Expenses

In Addition To Car Insurance Coverage, There Are Other Options For Covering Funeral Expenses:

• Life Insurance: Life insurance is a type of insurance that pays out a designated amount to beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death. Some life insurance policies may include a rider that covers funeral expenses. It’s important to carefully review your life insurance policy terms to understand what types of expenses are covered.

• Funeral Insurance: Funeral insurance, also known as burial insurance, is a life insurance specifically designed to cover funeral expenses. These policies are typically small and designed to pay out a designated amount to cover the funeral and other related expenses.

• Advance Planning: It’s a good idea to discuss funeral expenses with loved ones and plan how these expenses will be paid. This can help alleviate the burden on your family and ensure that your wishes are carried out. Some options for advance planning include setting aside money in a savings account, purchasing a funeral insurance policy, or pre-paying for funeral services.

Conclusion

Car insurance policies may provide some coverage for funeral expenses but it’s important to have an extra layer of protection! It’s important to understand the limitations of this coverage and consider other options for protection. Understanding your coverage options allows you to make informed decisions!