What Types of Automobile Insurance Coverage Should You Consider?

When it comes to automobile insurance, there are several different types of coverage available.

Bodily injury liability

coverage applies to injuries that you, the designated driver or the policyholder, cause to another person. This coverage also provides protection if a covered driver is the victim of a hit and run or if, as a pedestrian, he is hit by an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Collision

coverage covers damage to your car as a result of a collision with another car, an object, such as a tree or telephone pole, or as a result of a rollover.

It also covers damage caused by potholes and is generally sold with a separate deductible.

Comprehensive

insurance is typically sold along with collision coverage and covers losses due to theft or damage caused by something other than a collision with another car or object. It includes events such as fires, falling objects, missiles, explosions, earthquakes, windstorms, hail, floods, acts of vandalism, riots or contact with animals such as birds or deer. In addition to mandatory liability insurance, you may want to consider other types of optional coverage for your vehicle.

Medical payments cover medical and funeral expenses and can also cover your family members or passengers, regardless of fault.

Uninsured motorist

coverage reimburses you if you are hit by an uninsured driver or by a driver who doesn't have enough insurance to pay for your total loss. Depending on your state's minimum requirements, you may also have to carry protection against personal injury and an uninsured driver. It's often a good idea to carry more than you need to reduce the chances of having to shell out a lot of money out of your pocket in the future.

Most states have statutory minimums on how much liability coverage you should have but most insurance professionals recommend that you have higher limits of liability to better protect your finances. If you have an accident, collision coverage helps cover the costs of repairing your vehicle regardless of the fault. Comprehensive coverage is also worth considering if you want to repair the windshield if it is cracked or shattered. Now that you know the different types of car insurance coverage available, you're ready to find the right coverage for your needs. When looking for the right coverage for your needs, it's important to consider key factors such as state mandates and lender requirements.

It's also important to keep in mind that adding a teen driver will almost certainly increase your car insurance premiums due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. When selecting automobile insurance coverage, it's important to understand all the options available and determine which ones are best suited for your needs. Bodily injury liability coverage provides protection if you cause injury to another person while driving. Collision and comprehensive insurance cover damage caused by collisions with other cars or objects and losses due to theft or other events such as fires and floods. Medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage provide additional protection in case of accidents involving uninsured drivers or medical expenses. It's important to remember that state laws require certain minimum levels of automobile insurance coverage and lenders may require additional coverage depending on the value of the vehicle being insured.

Additionally, adding a teen driver will almost certainly increase your car insurance premiums due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. By understanding all the different types of automobile insurance coverage available and selecting the right ones for your needs, you can ensure that you are adequately protected in case of an accident.

Carl Somilleda
Carl Somilleda

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