3 Signs Your Auto Coverage Hasn’t Kept Up
Why your policy might be stuck in the past — and how to catch up before it costs you.
Auto Coverage Ages Faster Than Your Car
Most of us think of auto insurance as “set it and forget it.” You get a policy when you buy the car, maybe check in at renewal, and assume you’re covered.
But here’s the truth: auto coverage ages faster than your car.
Why? Because the cost of everything tied to an accident — from repairs to medical bills to lawsuits — has skyrocketed. Meanwhile, many drivers are still relying on policies written years ago that haven’t been updated.
It’s like trying to drive with a 2010 GPS. Sure, it still turns on. But the roads have changed. And if you rely on old directions, you could end up in trouble.
So how do you know if your coverage is stuck in the past? Here are three big signs.
1. You’re Still Carrying “State Minimums”
Every state sets a minimum amount of liability coverage — the bare bones required to drive legally. The problem? Those numbers haven’t kept up with reality.
Take Tennessee, for example. The minimum liability coverage is 25/50/15:
$25,000 for injuries per person
$50,000 total per accident
$15,000 for property damage
Sounds like a lot? It’s not.
One trip to the ER can eat up $25,000 in a heartbeat. One lawsuit can soar past $50,000. And $15,000 for property damage? That might have covered a fender bender a decade ago, but today, it won’t replace a bumper on a luxury SUV.
If you’re still driving with state minimums, you’re essentially betting that accidents will stay cheap. And they won’t.
2. You Haven’t Reviewed Coverage Since You Bought the Car
When was the last time you sat down and really looked at your policy? If it’s been three, five, or even ten years — your coverage may be badly out of sync with today’s costs.
Cars are safer than ever, but they’re also more expensive to fix.
Then (2010): A bumper replacement might cost $500.
Now: That same bumper comes with cameras, sensors, and smart tech. Replacing it could run $2,000 or more.
And that’s just one part. Windshields now have lane-assist sensors. Headlights contain LEDs and adaptive systems. Even “simple” repairs can carry four-digit price tags.
If your policy hasn’t been adjusted to reflect those costs, you may be holding coverage that looks fine on paper but leaves you underinsured when the bill shows up.
3. You Don’t Have Enough Protection Against Other Drivers
Even if you’ve updated your own coverage, here’s a common blind spot: other drivers.
The reality is, plenty of people on the road are still carrying state minimums — or no insurance at all. If one of them causes an accident, their policy may barely cover a fraction of the costs.
That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage comes in. It steps in to cover the gap between what the other driver’s policy pays and what you actually need.
Without it, you could be stuck paying the difference — even though the accident wasn’t your fault.
📊 Old Coverage vs. Today’s Costs
Here’s a quick look at how costs have shifted since many policies were first written:
| Item | 2010 Avg. Cost | Today’s Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bumper repair | $500 | $2,000+ |
| Hospital ER visit | $1,300 | $2,500+ |
| Average lawsuit settlement | $30,000 | $70,000+ |
The gap between what things used to cost and what they cost today is exactly why outdated policies don’t cut it anymore.
How to Catch Up
The good news: catching up doesn’t mean overpaying. It just means making sure your coverage matches today’s risks, not yesterday’s.
Here’s a simple checklist to start with:
Liability Limits: Don’t settle for state minimums.
Collision/Comprehensive: Make sure coverage reflects your car’s current value and repair costs.
UM/UIM Protection: Protect yourself from underinsured drivers.
Deductibles: Check if your deductible still fits your savings. A high deductible can lower premiums, but it has to match what you could actually pay out-of-pocket.
A local agency can walk you through this quickly — and more importantly, we understand what repair shops, courts, and medical costs look like in your area.
Final Thought: Don’t Let Coverage Fall Behind
Cars evolve. Costs evolve. Risks evolve.
If your coverage hasn’t kept pace, you may be driving with a safety net full of holes. The good news is, updating your policy doesn’t have to be complicated — and it doesn’t have to break your budget.
It just takes a review, a few smart adjustments, and someone local who knows the real “temperature” of what driving costs today.
Don’t let your policy age faster than your car. Let’s catch it up.
📍 Stockman Insurance Agency
4202 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN
📞 (423) 510-9197
🌐 www.stockmanagency.com
