Car insurance protects you and others in the event of accident, theft, or damages. Accidents are impossible to predict and your auto insurance policy will cover you financially in the event the unexpected happens! When you get behind the wheel, you’re taking a risk, whether you realize it or not. Even if you’re not at fault, but the other driver doesn’t have adequate insurance, you may still find yourself paying for damages and any resulting medical bills. If you are at fault, you are typically held liable for damages to the other person’s vehicle, medical costs, and potential legal fees. To learn more about The Fundamentals of Auto Insurance, visit our blog.
2. Why do I need car insurance?
I’ve never had an accident!
Car insurance protects you and others in the event of
accident, theft, or damages. Accidents are impossible to
predict and your auto insurance policy will cover you
financially in the event the unexpected happens! When you
get behind the wheel, you’re taking a risk, whether you realize
it or not. Even if you’re not at fault, but the other driver
doesn’t have adequate insurance, you may still find yourself
paying for damages and any resulting medical bills. If you are
at fault, you are typically held liable for damages to the other
person’s vehicle, medical costs, and potential legal fees. To
learn more about The Fundamentals of Auto
Insurance, visit our blog.
3. What’s included in my auto insurance policy?
LIABILITY
If you’re at fault, then your liability will pay
for the damages suffered by other parties.
COLLISION
If you hit another vehicle or object,
collision will pay for damages and repairs
to your vehicle.
COMPREHENSIVE
If your vehicle is damaged while parked, a
tree falls on your car, or a deer hits you,
then comprehensive covers you.
MEDICAL EXPENSES
If you or a family member is injured as a
result of an accident or while riding in
someone else’s car, this coverage will pay
for associated medical expenses.
UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST
Unfortunately, there are many drivers who
carry only minimal insurance. This coverage
pays for injuries and property damage when
the at-fault driver can’t cover the costs.
OPTIONAL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
This optional coverage keeps you rolling on
all four tires, ensures your batteries hum,
and, if needed, provides towing services.
OPTIONAL RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT
If your car is in the shop for several days and
you can’t get by without wheels, rental
reimbursement keeps you moving for a very
nominal premium.
Levels of coverage vary from person to person and your agent will help you determine the
appropriate level of coverage and deductibles. Policies generally include:
4. What factors are considered
in car insurance rates?
There are several factors that
companies use to determine auto
insurance rates. Some key
considerations include: the age of
your car, estimated annual mileage,
your driving record, age, gender,
geographic location, credit rating,
car safety rating and more.
Be sure to ask your agent about
good-student and good-driving
discounts as well.
5. If I rent a car, am I covered
by my insurance?
Typically, if you rent a car in the United States,
your car insurance policy will cover you with the
same coverage you have shown in your policy
declarations page. If you do not have collision
and comprehensive coverage, damage to the
rental car will not be covered. However, be sure
to review your policy before declining additional
coverage offered by the rental agency.
6. How important is
comprehensive coverage?
Comprehensive coverage is very import-
ant! If your car was damaged in a parking
lot, if you are struck by a deer, if a squirrel
decides to eat your wiring, or if your car
is stolen, comprehensive covers you.