Car insurance is a deal between you and an insurance company that protects you financially in case of an accident or other loss. It helps pay for your car repairs, your and your passengers’ medical bills, and any damage you do to other people’s property.
Why do you need car insurance?
It is the law in most countries that you have car insurance. That’s why all drivers in the US are required to have liability insurance. This insurance pays for other people’s injuries and property damage if you cause an accident.
You shouldn’t have to have car insurance, but it’s still a good idea to have it. There are times when everyone is at fault, and even a small accident can cost a lot to fix. Having car insurance can save you money in case of an accident, which can give you peace of mind.
Types of car insurance
Some of the most common types of coverage include:
- Liability coverage: This level of coverage is the bare minimum in most countries. If you are at fault in an accident, it pays for other people’s injuries and property damage.
- Collision coverage: When you get into an accident with another car or object, this coverage pays to fix your car.
- Comprehensive coverage: Theft, vandalism, or other covered events, like fire, hail, or flooding, can damage your car. This coverage pays to fix it.
- Medical payments coverage: If you or someone in your car gets hurt in an accident, this coverage will pay for your medical bills. [Maybe]
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: If someone hits you and doesn’t have insurance or enough insurance to cover the damage, this coverage will protect you. [Maybe]
How much?
The cost of car insurance depends on many things, like where you live, your age, your driving record, and the type of car you have. You can lower your car insurance costs in a number of ways, though. Here are some examples:
- Shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies.
- Take advantage of discounts, such as good driver discounts, bundling discounts, and military discounts.
- Raise your deductible. Your monthly premium will go down, but if you need to make a claim, you will have to pay more out of pocket.