There are more than 6 million car accidents each year in the United States. With accidents happening so frequently, the best thing drivers can do is invest in high-quality auto insurance for their cars.
However, there are so many types of auto insurance to choose from, how can you decide which coverage is necessary and which you can live without?
You need to understand the options available so you can pick the best coverage for your needs. Here are some of the best types of car insurance you should consider getting for your car.
1. Collision Coverage
When you think about auto insurance for your car, you think about protecting your ride from damage due to collisions. Collision insurance is what makes this possible.
The coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs if your car gets damaged in any type of collision. This could be a collision with a car, motorcycle, fence, lamppost, or even a guardrail.
After you pay your deductible, the insurance company will evaluate the damage and issue a check for the amount of the estimated repairs. Keep in mind that you’re free to get a second opinion from a trusted body shop or mechanic.
If your car gets totaled, collision coverage will pay you for the cash value or replacement value of your car depending on the type of coverage you have.
2. Liability Protection
As a driver, you’re responsible for what happens when you’re behind the wheel. If you cause an accident that injures another person or damages another person’s property, you could be liable for the damages.
Liability protection helps you cover those costs without forcing you to drain your personal savings.
In most states, drivers are legally required to have a set amount of liability coverage to register their vehicles. If you’re not sure how much coverage you need, ask your insurance agent for advice. Most recommend buying more than the minimum amount if possible.
3. Vehicle-Specific Insurance
Different types of vehicles need different types of auto insurance. For example, if you use your car for work, you’ll need to invest in commercial vehicle insurance. If you run a tow truck business, you’ll need dedicated tow truck insurance to protect both your rig and your drivers.
These coverage options protect against the most common hazards that professional drivers face. This may include extra liability coverage to protect your company and your drivers.
Unfortunately, personal car insurance isn’t enough to protect you when you’re using your car for work-related purposes. In fact, your insurance company may revoke your coverage if they find out that you’re filing claims with your personal policy.
Once this happens, it may be harder to get both commercial and personal auto insurance coverage.
4. Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection isn’t offered in every state, but if you can get this coverage, it’s almost always worth the investment. This type of car insurance helps pay for the cost of your medical treatments if you’re involved in an accident.
Even better, the insurance can also help pay for expenses you wouldn’t otherwise have if you weren’t injured in an accident. This may include providing a portion of your income while you focus on your recovery.
The amount of protection you’ll receive depends on the amount of coverage you buy. The larger your policy is, the more the provider will be able to pay. Your insurance agent will be able to help you figure out how much coverage you truly need.
5. Comprehensive Insurance
Collisions aren’t the only way your car can get damaged. In fact, they’re not even the most common way cars end up getting damaged.
Comprehensive insurance helps pay for the costs of repairs due to non-collision events. For example, if a tree branch falls on your car or the hood gets dented by a severe hailstorm, comprehensive insurance will help pay for the repairs.
The policy also protects your car against theft and vandalism.
Without comprehensive insurance, you’ll have to pay the full cost of repairs or replacement out-of-pocket. That could take hundreds of dollars away from your personal savings and puts a serious strain on your monthly budget.
6. Uninsured Motorist Coverage
All drivers are legally required to have insurance to register their cars. However, you have no way of knowing whether the person behind the wheel actually has coverage. If an uninsured driver hits you or causes damage to your property, you won’t be able to get compensation from the other driver’s insurance company.
Uninsured motorist insurance will pay for the cost of your medical treatment. It will also cover the cost of vehicle repairs even if the other driver doesn’t have coverage.
7. Medical Payments Insurance
If you’re injured in a car accident, your health insurance may not be enough to cover the cost of your medical treatments. Medical payments insurance helps give you an added layer of protection against overly high medical costs.
The policy extends to anyone riding in your car or family members that are using your car even when you’re not present. The exact types of costs the insurance will cover vary from policy to policy. Speak with your insurance agent to find out what your coverage provides.
Consider These Types of Auto Insurance for Your Car
Getting high-quality car insurance for your car is the best way to protect it and your investment. These types of auto insurance for cars are an absolute must for every driver that wants comprehensive protection.
Just make sure to shop around for the best coverage possible. Get quotes from several insurance companies and compare their coverage amounts and premium rates in detail. You’ll want to choose the insurance provider that gives you the coverage you need at a price that fits your budget.
Insurance is just one way to make sure you’re a responsible car owner. For more tips and tricks to help you keep your car in good shape, check out our latest posts.
