Almost all states require you to carry at least a certain amount of liability coverage for property damage and bodily injury involving your car. Liability insurance covers medical expenses and vehicle repair costs of the victims of the accident you cause. It won’t cover you or your car.
Regarding coverage for your vehicle repairs and medical bills, your insurance company will charge you more for this additional coverage. Many people searching for dirt cheap car insurance skip these auto insurance add-ons to save on their monthly premiums. However, optional coverage may save you money in the long run if you are ever in an accident.
Let’s take a look at some of these extremely important additional coverages below.
Collision Coverage
If you cause an accident and have liability insurance for property damage, your insurance will cover only the repair or replacement costs for the car you hit. To cover the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, you’ll need collision insurance, which covers you whether you hit another car or a tree, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
The cost of your collision coverage will depend on the deductible you select. You must pay a deductible out of your pocket before the insurance company foots the bill for the rest. Premiums for collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible will cost less than premiums for a $250 deductible, for example.
Comprehensive Coverage
Damage can occur to your vehicle in more ways than car accidents. Hail damage, vandalism and flooding can cause extensive damage to your vehicle that isn’t covered under liability or collision insurance. Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover repair or replacement costs associated with non-collision incidents, including weather-related damage, vandalism, or theft, according to NAIC. Just as with collision coverage, comprehensive coverage involves a deductible.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
It’s against the law in most states to drive without insurance. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute, an estimated one of every seven drivers on the road is uninsured. If an uninsured driver hits you, your own insurance will cover the costs if you have uninsured/underinsured coverage. This type of coverage is designed to cover repair and medical costs if someone without insurance hits you. Sometimes, the other driver may be insured but does not have enough coverage to pay for your total costs. Underinsured coverage kicks in and picks up the remainder. These types of coverage often are sold together.
If you are concerned about the additional costs of these types of coverage, there are many things you can do to save money. Raising your deductible, asking about discounts, and shopping around to compare auto insurance quotes are good ways to save money without sacrificing coverage.
