If you have recently bought a car or are planning on doing so, then you also have to get car insurance for it. This process can prove a bit dizzying if you are unfamiliar with all the terms and aspects of car insurance coverage. The following paragraphs are going to educate you on some of the detailed aspects about auto insurance.
Something you will likely need to be mindful of is the minimum amount of coverage that you will be required as a driver. Your state or community likely has minimum levels of insurance coverage that are legally mandatory. Your insurance provider should already know what these are and even refuse to offer anything less, but double check to be sure.
A deductible is something you are going to have to decide on before signing a policy. This dollar amount is how much you would pay out of your own pocket in the event of a claim you file before the insurance company would start paying out. For instance, if you file a thousand dollar claim with a five hundred dollar deductible, you and the insurance company would each pay half. If you are not at fault in an accident and the other driver’s insurance is covering his damages to your vehicle, then you are not paying any deductible.
If you get into an accident, make sure first that all passengers of your vehicle and yourself are okay. Administer any necessary first aid. Also check on the occupants of any other vehicle for their health and injuries. Summon emergency medical responders if needed, but always contact local law enforcement. Exchange insurance information with the other driver, but do not admit fault. Your insurance provider likely has a smartphone app for you to follow to take pictures and record information.
Uninsured driver coverage is not legally mandatory in all areas, as the assumption is everyone has insurance. Still, odds are you could eventually get in a collision with someone not covered. Uninsured motorist coverage means you are protected in these cases.
If you add additional drivers, your rates might go up or down per person. Adding newer, inexperienced drivers or drivers with records can be more expensive. However, adding a clean driver can lower your premium per capita as a bundle discount.
Even though you are obligated to go with your local government minimums, you might in fact want additional coverage. The levels set out as obligations might not provide sufficient medical and monetary coverage for your family, vehicle and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit.
As you are now aware from reading this article, there is much to learn regarding the various aspects of car insurance coverage. Fortunately, you now also know some of the basics, thanks to this very same article. Now you know what to look for in a car insurance provider and will not get lost in the terminology when getting quotes online or speaking with an insurance agent. Put this information to good use.