Purchasing auto insurance can be confusing, but it is necessary if you own and drive a vehicle. Before you start shopping for insurance, you should do some research and educate yourself about the different types of insurance available. Use the information provided in this article to prepare yourself before you make that first call to an automobile insurance agent.
The term “full coverage” is self-explanatory. Full coverage simply means you are covered for whatever accident could happen while you are driving your vehicle. The total or partial damage to your car will be covered, as well as any injury to yourself or other people involved in the accident. If the accident is ruled your fault, damage to the other car or cars and their occupants are also covered. Liability insurance simply means that if damage is done to someone else or their property, your insurance will cover the cost. Liability does not cover your car or anyone in it.
When you have a deductible, it means that you will have to pay that amount before your insurance company will pay anything beyond that amount. Your insurance rates will be higher if your deductible is a lower amount, and you can lower your rates by choosing a higher deductible. If you decide on a higher deductible, you should make sure you have that amount available to you in the event that you are involved in an accident.
Your particular circumstances will help you decide what other options you should include in your insurance policy. For example, you will not need to rent a car while yours is repaired if you have a friend or family member you can depend on for transportation. If you have major medical coverage, you probably do not need to add medical coverage to your policy. Check your medical coverage to make sure you are covered while you are out of state.
Whether or not you purchase full coverage will depend partly on whether or not your car is financed. If you owe money on your car, the finance company will require you to have collision so their investment is protected. In addition, you should always carry liability insurance. Some of the other coverage is optional and whether or not you carry it depends on your situation.
You should combine your auto insurance with any other items that need to be insured, such as an RV, a motorcycle or a home. When you bundle all your insurance needs together on one policy with the same company, your combined rate will be considerably lower.
There are some discounts you may be eligible for, so go over the list of possible discounts with your agent to see if you qualify for any of them. Most companies give discounts for a clean driving record, being a non-smoker and being a senior.
Even though you might initially be confused by some insurance terms, you can take the time to educate yourself about typical auto insurance requirements. Use this article to guide you as you search for the best automobile insurance policy for you.