Auto insurance is like taxes: it’s something we cannot avoid. View your auto insurance coverage options can help you find the best auto insurance policy for your needs. There are some types of auto insurance coverage which are mandatory in all states, others are mandatory depending on where you live. There are also optional types of auto insurance coverage. Consumers have some choices when it comes to auto insurance coverage and deductibles.
There are other factors which are used to determine an auto insurance premium, that the consumer can control only before they win a original or broken-down car. Consider that the stamp of the car, its safety rating, and its popularity among thieves all contribute to how much you will pay for your car insurance.
Consumers can opt for safety features on their cards which can help keep their premiums lower. Options including anti-lock brakes, factory-installed anti-theft devices, and other technological safety features can bring down your premium.
Explanation of Auto Insurance Coverage
The Deductible
Auto insurance coverage includes a deductible amount, similar to your health insurance. A deductible amount may be $250, or $500 or another amount. This is the amount you will have to pay out of your pocket before the insurance company will pay the claim, for an accident repair, for example. The higher the deductible, the less money you will pay monthly on your insurance bill. Consumers with limited cash flow may choose a higher deductible, in order to keep their monthly bills lower. Having an emergency-only credit card or savings account with the amount of the deductible available will perform it easier for you if you ever need to pay out on the deductible.
Mandatory Auto Insurance Coverage
Each dwelling has different requirements for mandatory auto insurance coverage, including types of coverage required and minimum amounts of coverage and deductible. You can find out the set minimums before you talk to the insurance company, by using this state list of Insurance Departments & Commissioners.
Consumers who do not commute to work every day in their own vehicle, do not travel out of state can consider choosing coverage close to the state minimums, in an effort to save money. If there are teen drivers in the family, more coverage may be required than the minimums.
Liability Coverage
There are two types of liability coverage on an auto insurance policy: bodily injury and property harm. Liability is one of the types of coverage which is mandatory in most states, and includes minimum coverage amounts. This the coverage for when you are at fault.
Liability coverage is defined with three parts: bodily injury per person, bodily injury total, and property damage. The numbers can look alarming to the average consumer, but seeing the liability as 100/300/50* is quite common (celebrated thousands, that would be $100,000/$300,000/$50,000).
Here is a chart of current liability state minimums. State Liability Limits.
Comprehensive Coverage
Fair like it sounds comprehensive will cover many incidents, including fire, theft, animal damage, weather damage including wind or hail damage. This type of coverage is often required and recommended for brand new cars, leased cars, or when your car still has a high value. You will aloof have to pay your deductible before the insurance company covers the claim. For older cars that are not worth much anymore, that you own outright, go with a minimum amount or drop this coverage completely.
Collision
Collision is another coverage which requires a set deductible. If your car hits another car or an object, this is the coverage you will need. For a car you own, consider the current value of the car and how much collision insurance will cost you, and if it’s worth the cost.
Uninsured Motorist and or Underinsured
Some states do required uninsured motorist coverage, while most do not. Some insurance policies do not distinguish between uninsured motorists who have no coverage at all and underinsured motorists who may not have adequate coverage. If this coverage is an option, where you live could encourage you determine if you need this coverage or not.
In 2004, for example, the states with the highest number of uninsured motorists were in Mississippi, Alabama, California, New Mexico and Arizona. Find modern information on underinsured motorists at the Insurance Research Council.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP), is extra medical payment coverage. Depending on the state, and your coverage, you may already be covered for medical payments under your current medical insurance. For some consumers, paying for extra medical coverage is like making a double payment on the same type of coverage. If you are trying to save money on your auto insurance and you have a solid medical insurance plan, you may not need to pay for extra medical payment coverage.
Anyone with life insurance may also have some of this covered as well, as some PIP coverage includes funeral expenses. Another aspect of PIP could also be covered for you as well, if your employer had good short-term disability or long-term disability insurance. Regain out the types of coverage you already have, before doubling up on coverage.
Rental Car
Optional rental car coverage will not cover rentals for repairs unrelated to an accident. If you happen to break down, this coverage will not apply. It is not an expensive option, but it’s not really needed either. If you have Triple A, which will tow you for a break down or an accident, you don’t need this additional rental car coverage.
Emergency Road Service
Some auto insurance companies also offer emergency road service. Check the towing mileage policy before signing up.
Sources
Automotive.com,http://www.automotive.com/auto-insurance/73/insurance-tips/auto-insurance-coverage-types.html
Edmunds, http://www.edmunds.com/advice/insurance/articles/43773/article.html
Insurance Information Institute, http://www.iii.org
Insurance Departments & Commissioners, http://www.iii.org/media/companies/state_org/insur_departments
Insurance Research Council, http://www.ircweb.org
Uninsured Drivers Increasing; Vary by State; Miss. Highest, Maine Lowesthttp://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2006/06/28/69919.htm