In-Depth Auto Insurance for Lawyers: Liability, uninsured, PIP, collision, coverages, and policy components

Robert Kezelis | The Law Offices of Robert A. Kezelis

EDUCATION

• 1976 Vilnius University Lithuanian SSR – Social & International Studies
• 1979 Northwestern University, Evanston – BA Economics & Psychology
• 1983 Notre Dame Law School at London, England
• 1982-1985 John Marshall Law School – JD

EMPLOYMENT

• 1986 – 2001 Partner- French, Kezelis & Kominiarek
  • Civil litigation. Numerous jury trials and appeals, insurance coverage opinions, Structural Work Act, Products Liability, Toxic Torts, Med Malpractice, Medical Devices, Welding Litigation
• 2001 – 2003 “Of counsel” to Robert N. Wadington & Associates
• 1999 – 2000 Vice President
  • COS, Incorporated Assisting companies with prevention of sexual harassment claims, workplace safety, security, and education programs.
• 1998 – 2004 Adjunct Professor – John Marshall Law School
• 2003 – 2006 TKM Transport Services – Secretary- Treasurer
  • Expert services for the transportation industry, DOT issues, consulting & loss prevention
• 2003 – now The Law Offices of Robert A. Kezelis
  • General Practice, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Divorce and Custody, Family Law, Employment Litigation

BAR ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

• Chicago Bar Association (Current)
  • Ethics Committee Civil Practice
  • Family Law (Current)
  • Computers In The Courthouse (Past Chairman)
  • Long Range Planning (Past Chairman)
  • Judicial Evaluation Committee (Current – Hearing officer and investigator)
• Illinois State Bar Association Illinois
• Illinois Trial Lawyers Association (current)
• Lithuanian American Bar Association (former president)
• Artist-Blacksmith’s Association Of North America
• Freedom From Religion – (former local board member 2015 – 2017)

I. Importance of auto insurance for individuals | 12:00pm – 12:10pm

II. Basic understanding of how auto insurance works | 12:10pm – 12:20pm

III. Types of insurance | 12:20pm – 12:30pm

• Liability Coverage
  • Bodily Injury Liability
  • Property Damage Liability
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments Coverage
• Collision Coverage
• Comprehensive Coverage

IV. Policy Components and Terminology | 12:30pm – 12:40pm

• Declarations Page
• Insuring Agreement
• Exclusions and Limitations
• Endorsements/Riders
• Deductibles
• Premiums
• Policy Period and Renewal

V. Claims Process | 12:40pm – 12:50pm

• Reporting an accident or incident. The importance of timely and proper notice to insurer
• Gathering evidence
• Filing a claim with the insurance company
• Evaluation of the claim
• Resolution and compensation

VI. Policy Limits and Coverage | 12:50pm – 1:00pm

• Limits for liability coverage
• Limits for uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Limits for PIP or medical payments coverage
• Understating coverage maximums and how they work

Break | 1:00pm – 1:10pm

VII. Special Considerations | 1:10pm – 1:20pm

• Lending and borrowing vehicles
• Rental car coverage
• Coverage for custom equipment or modifications

VIII. Comparison with Other Types of Insurance | 1:20pm – 1:30pm

• Health insurance
• Homeowners/renters insurance

IX. Legal and Regulatory Aspects | 1:30pm – 1:40pm

• State insurance regulations
• Mandatory coverage requirements
• Legal implications of driving without insurance

X. Client Counseling and Communication | 1:40pm – 1:50pm

• Explaining coverage options to clients
• Assisting clients in making informed decisions
• Addressing common client questions and concerns

XI. Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 1:50pm – 2:00pm

• Handling conflicts of interest
• Advising clients honestly and transparently

XII. New Trends | 2:00pm – 2:10pm

• Emerging technologies in auto insurance
• Usage-based insurance
• Impact of autonomous and self-driving vehicles