Before you Commit, Know About Types of Auto Insurance

Author: Levi Quinn

Auto insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of a collision or loss. Every customer has different needs so an extensive array of products are available, each designed to cover a specific type of loss or damage. It is highly unlikely that you would need every single type of available insurance but you may need a few different types. Therefore it is helpful to understand what each type of auto insurance does.

Property Damage

Depending on jurisdiction, property damage insurance may also be called liability insurance or similar. This insurance covers damage that your vehicle may cause to someone else’s vehicle. Each state sets its own minimum requirement for how much property damage insurance you must carry, but the state minimum may not be enough in the event of an accident. If you cause damage that exceeds the limits of your insurance you may be sued for the difference. Always purchase as much property damage insurance as you can comfortably afford.

Personal Injury

This type of auto insurance is also generally required by law. Personal injury insurance pays a portion (usually 80 percent) of your medical bills and a different portion (often 60 percent) of your lost wages if you are injured in an accident. A small death benefit is often attached in case you are killed in the accident. This protection might extend to relatives, household members or even anyone who happens to be in the car, depending on state requirements and the individual insurance company’s policies.

Bodily Injury

Although bodily injury protection is not required by all jurisdictions it is highly recommended that this insurance be purchased. Bodily injury insurance protects you in the event that you are at fault in an accident. If the other driver is injured beyond the limits of his personal injury coverage, your bodily injury insurance will take effect. Otherwise, you could be sued for his medical expenses.

If someone else is at fault in an accident in which you are seriously injured, your expenses may exceed your personal injury coverage. If the other driver does not have bodily injury protection one option may be to sue. However lawsuits can be costly in both money and time, and if the other driver is unable to pay you may end up with an uncollectible judgment. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is another option. This coverage will pay your medical expenses when you are injured by someone who does not have enough insurance.

Collision

Collision coverage is designed to reimburse you up to the actual cash value of your vehicle, less your deductible, if you are at fault in an accident. Collision insurance is usually required if your vehicle is financed. Premiums are high and the insurance is generally not worthwhile for older vehicles with a low cash value.

Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance covers the loss of your vehicle to theft or acts of God. As with Collision insurance, Comprehensive pays the actual cash value of the vehicle less your deductible. Comprehensive is usually required on financed vehicles but not worthwhile on older low-value cars.

Other auto insurance products will cover everything from a rental car to medical payments beyond your personal injury protection. Most of these products are worthwhile but not strictly necessary. If you have any questions regarding your coverage options be sure to speak to your insurance agent.

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