An Auto Insurance policy is a package of coverages.
Although most states require you to purchase only minimum amounts of certain coverages, we'd recommend buying more than the minimum to protect yourself against hefty legal, repair, and medical bills.
If you are looking for auto insurance, truck insurance or car insurance for your business, go to our commercial auto insurance section.
Auto Insurance Liability
If you're at fault in an accident, Liability coverage will pay for expenses to third parties involved, including legal bills (for example, the other party might sue you for “pain and suffering” damages).
Bodily Injury covers medical bills and lost wages, while Property Damage pays for repairing or replacing items you damaged other than your own car.
Car Insurance Collision and Comprehensive Coverages
If you cause an accident,
Collision coverage will pay to repair your vehicle, up to its book value. Because Collision is usually the most expensive Auto coverage, if the car is worth less than book value, you're better off not buying this coverage. Choosing a higher deductible can also help reduce your premium.
Comprehensive coverage will pay for damages to your car that weren't due to an auto accident (for example, theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters). It also comes with a deductible and will pay no more than book value.
Medical Payments, PIP, and No-Fault
Medical Payments (MedPay) will cover your and your passengers' medical expenses after an auto accident while you're driving your or someone else's vehicle (with their permission), as well as injuries to you or family members as a pedestrian.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and broader “No-Fault” coverages are expanded forms of Medical Payments protection that your state might require.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists
Uninsured Motorists (UM) pays for your injuries if you're struck by a hit-and-run driver or someone without Auto insurance. Underinsured Motorists (UIM) will pay if the driver who hit you causes more damage than their Auto Liability policy can cover. It's wise to have at least the minimal amount of UM/UIM because if you can't find the other driver, you'll have some coverage for pain-and-suffering damages.