Types of Auto Insurance Available
Most people don't fully understand why they need to carry auto
insurance. But it is to protect yourself, your family and your
vehicle. It is for these same reasons that the law also requires
you to have auto insurance coverage on all vehicles you own and
operate. Each state has different auto insurance requirements,
for instance the state of FL requires you to carry at least the
minimum requirements which is property damage at ten thousand
dollars and personal injury protection at ten thousand dollars.
Make sure you know and understand what your state insurance
requirements are.
There are several types of auto insurance policies to choose
from that will depend on the coverage you want and the coverage
you can afford. But where do you start? It can all be very
confusing at first but we are going to help you understand auto
insurance policy basics to make your decision easier.
First, do you have enough auto insurance coverage in case of an
accident? By law you have the minim required coverage, however
there is another insurance coverage that is important, bodily
injury. Bodily injury coverage is not required in all states.
Bodily injury would cover you in the event you are at fault in
the accident and the person in the other vehicle has injuries
exceeding their own personal injury coverage on their policy. If
you do not carry this coverage the injured party involved has
the right to sue and the state can place financial
responsibility on your vehicle report, which you then have to
carry for three years. The financial responsibility is called an
SR22.
Uninsured motorist is another insurance coverage type you may
want to have. Uninsured motorist's coverage covers you if the
other party was at fault and you were injured in the accident
exceeding your personal injury coverage on your policy and the
driver that caused the accident doesn't have bodily injury
coverage. This coverage can be used to cover the difference in
your injuries exceeding your coverage.
Comprehensive and Collision are two more important types of
insurance coverage you may want to consider. Comprehensive
coverage covers your vehicle in the event of theft, vandalism,
natural disasters and the like minus your auto insurance policy
deductible. Collision coverage covers physical damage to your
vehicle, if you should be at fault of an accident, minus your
policy deductible. Your insurance company would pay the cash
value of your vehicle. Most vehicles that are financed require
you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage by the
financing institution.
There are more options available to you, the list goes on but
it all comes down to what you can afford and what you want. Keep
in mind your life and your family are the most important and
having the proper insurance coverage should be one of your main
priorities. Use the internet to help you learn more about
insurance requirements in your state. It is much easier to read
and then ask questions and it allows you to pick a company you
think will fit your needs with the least amount of hassle!