How do you know what types of coverage you need?

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Liability Coverage (basic liability coverage meets the state's financial responsibility requirement.)

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The following expenses, up to your policy's dollar limits, for the people in the other car involved in an accident that you or someone covered by your policy caused:

medical and funeral costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering;

car repair or replacement costs; and

car rental for the other driver while their car is being repaired.

Liability insurance also pays your defense costs, including attorney fees if someone sues you because of the accident.

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Collision Coverage (for damage to your care)

 

If there is a covered accident, collision coverage will pay for the repairs to your car. If your car is totaled (where the cost to repair it exceeds the value of the vehicle) in an accident, it will pay you the actual cash value of your car. Actual cash value is the current value of your car, minus depreciation. Whether the company decides to repair your car or total it, you’ll get only up to the dollar limits of your policy. Your policy’s dollar limits are shown on the declarations page of your policy.

Note: If you have a lienholder, this coverage is required.

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Comprehensive Coverage (other than collision)

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The cost of replacing or repairing your car if it’s stolen or damaged by fire, vandalism, hail, falling objects, or an event other than a collision. Comprehensive coverage might pay for a rental car. Your policy won't pay to replace a stolen car unless you report the theft to police.

Payment is limited to your car's actual cash value, minus your deductible.

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Note: If you have a lienholder, this coverage is required.

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Medical Payments Coverage

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Medical and funeral bills resulting from an accident.  It covers you, your family members, passengers in your car, and other injured people, including bicyclist and pedestrians, regardless who caused the accident.

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Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

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Similar to medical payments coverage, plus 80 percent of lost income and the cost of hiring a caregiver for an injured person. With this coverage, You, your family members, and passengers in your car, and other injured people, regardless of who caused the accident.

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Note: This coverage is not available in all states.

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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

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Your expenses from an accident caused by an uninsured motorist, a motorist who did not have enough insurance, or a hit-and-run driver. Also pays for personal property that was damaged in your car.

There is a mandatory $250 deductible for property damage.

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• Bodily injury UM/UIM pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and permanent or partial disability. There is not a deductible with this type.

• Property damage UM/UIM pays for auto repairs, a rental car, and damage to items in your car.

 

Insurance companies must offer UM/UIM coverage. If you don't want it, you must reject it in writing.

Saving tip: It's usually relatively inexpensive to add uninsured/underinsured motorist protection to your car insurance policy, especially considering the amount of protection it offers. 

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Towing and Labor Coverage

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Towing charges when your car can't be driven. Also pays labor charges, such as changing a flat tire or jump-starting your battery.

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Rental Reimbursement Coverage

 

A set daily amount for a rental car if your car is stolen or being repaired. Your company only pays for rental reimbursement if your car was damaged by something that your policy covers, such as fire or theft.