Personal Auto Insurance

Traffic accident scenarios are common, from fender-benders to highway crashes. In fact, according to the Census Bureau, over 10 million accidents occur on U.S. streets each year. The key is to be prepared so that the costs involved in recovering from an accident are not devastating to your finances.

What does Auto Insurance Cover?

• Liability: Covers the costs associated with injuries and property damage you are responsible for if you cause an accident.
• Collision: Covers the costs to repair or replace your damaged or destroyed vehicle after an accident.
• Comprehensive: Formally known as "other than collision," covers damage to your vehicle from causes such as auto theft and weather damage.
• Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists: Covers your costs if you are in an accident caused by someone who does not have enough insurance to pay your injury and property damage expenses.
• Medical payments: Covers the costs of injuries for you and others in your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Rental reimbursement: Pays a certain amount daily for a replacement vehicle if yours is in the shop for repairs.
• Towing and roadside service: Provides emergency roadside assistance and towing to help you get your vehicle back on the road or to a shop for   repair.

As you consider your policy needs, it is important to keep the coverage limits in mind. The costs of a severe crash can quickly exceed the limits. If that occurs, you will have to pay for costs out of your own pocket.

Is Auto Insurance Coverage Required?

Drivers in every state are required to have auto liability insurance, such as personal injury protection (PIP).

Car insurance liability requirements vary by state, and include a minimum amount for bodily injury costs per person and per accident as well as a minimum for property damage liability. If you cause an accident, liability coverage pays those costs, up to the limits set for your policy.

In addition to required liability coverage, you may also want collision coverage to protect your investment in your vehicle. And depending upon your specific needs and risks, you may also want comprehensive coverage – now known as "other than collision." Together, collision and comprehensive can provide protection for everything from accidents to theft and vandalism.

The Risks of Buying Auto Insurance Online

Shopping for insurance online may be a great way to get information and rough quotes, but there are drawbacks to actually buying your auto coverage that way. One of the drawbacks with buying car insurance online is that it may not match your needs. Many people go looking for instant online insurance, only to find that it is difficult to know whether it offers the right amount and type of protection. Buying a no-frills basic car insurance policy may meet state requirements, but may not provide the compensation you need to recover from an accident.

It is important to discuss your risks and coverage options with a qualified insurance agent who can help ensure that you don't have coverage gaps. An Insurance Station agent can help you learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your car insurance.