Bare Bones Basic: Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is required by law in almost all states. It will pay for the property damage and personal injury expenses of others when you are at fault for an accident, up to the limits specified in your own particular policy. This coverage includes your legal bills. The bodily injury portion of the coverage includes medical expenses and lost wages. The property damage portion covers repair or replacement of items damaged as a result of the accident, your car not included (see Collision, below). The vast majority of states require motorists have at least liability insurance, and most require a minimum amount. Check out your state’s insurance department to find out your state’s minimum.

How About Me? Collision Insurance

Regardless of fault, collision insurance will cover damage to your vehicle, subject to any deductible. Period. Your insurance company will either pay for repairs or “total” your car (declare your car a total loss). (Alternatively, you can file a claim with the other person’s insurance company for the car’s repair and sidestep the deductible on your own policy.) If the insurance company totals your car, you will most likely get the actual cash value for the car, as opposed to the replacement cost. The replacement cost is the cost of replacing or repairing your vehicle with materials that are of similar type and quality without deducting for depreciation. Depreciation is the decrease in value of your vehicle due to age or wear and tear. Actual cash value is usually figured as the replacement cost minus the depreciation. Collision coverage can be expensive. You can consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium.

Beyond Car Accidents: Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive covers damage that occurs as a result of circumstances other than vehicle accidents. Comprehensive will cover loss due to theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. There is usually a deductible and the insurance company will not likely pay more than the Kelley Blue Book value if your car is wrecked. Of course, if you have a beater for a car and the comprehensive coverage costs more than what the car is actually worth, then don’t even bother buying it.

Medical, PIP and No-Fault

Medical payments coverage pays for your medical expenses and those of your passenger in the event of an accident, regardless of who was at fault. This coverage applies when you are driving your vehicle or someone else’s vehicle with their permission. You and your family members are covered if you are injured as pedestrians. Be aware that some insurance policies obligate you to repay any benefits received later from the other driver or car owner. Do you need medical payments coverage when you are also covered by your health plan? Click here for an article on that subject. Personal injury protection (PIP) and No-Fault coverages are typically expanded forms of medical payment protection. Some states require these, in others it is optional. Some features include coverage for lost wages and child care.

Uninsured/Underinsured Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured coverage pays for your injuries and possibly property damage when you are involved in an accident with someone who is at fault and has no liability insurance, or just has the bare bones limits of liability insurance. Some states require motorists to have this coverage.

Supplemental Insurance

These are essentially add-ons to your basic insurance policy. You can add on coverage for rentals, repairs, or towing, which could save you money in the long run. Check with your state’s insurance department to find out what types of coverage are required in your state.

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