Auto insurance is an agreement between you and your insurance company where you arrange to pay a premium in an exchange for the peace of mind that your insurance agency will pay for vehicle related financial losses during the duration of the policy. You need auto insurance because you are liable by law to pay for losses you cause to others in the event of an automobile accident. Purchasing auto insurance is the surest way to guarantee you will be able to fulfill your end of the bargain. In some states it is required that you have minimum forms of insurance in order to drive. You also must have insurance in order to finance a car.
One of the first questions you will be asked when obtaining auto insurance is how much of the covered loss or deductible do you want to have your responsibility? You may choose between $ 100, $ 250, $ 500, or $ 1,000. The higher your deductible the lower your premium however you must keep in mind that the deductible is the amount you must pay before your insurance will assist you. If you can not afford to pay the first $ 1,000 of the covered loss you may want to consider how much you can afford and choose a lower deductible.
Your insurance coverage is broken down into each purpose you would need to be covered for. One of the most common coverages include liability which pays out when the insured driver is legally liable for bodily injuries and property damage they cause to others. Bodily injury damages cover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other special damages. Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use. Liability also pays legal defense expenses. Each state has a set minimum amount of coverage you must carry but you may opt for higher amounts.
Personal injury protection pays medical expenses for covered individuals who who is at fault for the accident. It also covers rehab, lost wages, replacement of services and funeral expenses. Medical payment coverage pays medical and funeral expenses regardless of fault when the causes of these requirements are due to an automobile accident. Collision coverage pays for damage to an insured vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or object. Your deductible will apply to collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for loss of or damage to an insured vehicle unless it is damaged or lost as the result of a collision. Comprehensive would cover losses due to theft, fire, wind, hail, flood, vandalism or impact with an animal. Your deductible will apply to comprehensive coverage.
Uninsured motorist pays for loss or damage caused by another driver who does not have liability insurance. Under-insured motorist coverage pays when the insured driver is injured in an automobile accident caused by a driver who has an obligation amount of liability insurance. Rental reimbursements pays rental vehicle costs when your vehicle is put out of commission as the result of an automobile accident. Daily monetary limits may apply. Emergency roadside assistance coverage pays tow expenses when your vehicle breaks down. Distance limits may apply.
Your policy will generally cover you, your spouse children and other family members who stay in your residence as well as anyone else who has permission to drive your covered vehicle.
