How much auto insurance is right for you?
Auto insurance requirements vary by state. In some states, to drive you must carry:
- Liability coverage
to pay for losses you cause others, or - No-fault coverage
to pay you and your passengers for medical and related expenses caused by injuries from a car accident, regardless of who is at fault, or - Both liability and no-fault coverage.
Having insurance is the simplest way for most people to comply. To finance a car, it is usually necessary to have insurance which covers damage to your vehicle. This includes:
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance coverage pays for damage caused to your vehicle in an automobile accident. Standard collision coverage will pay for any repairs up to the fair market value of your car. Collision coverage usually also comes with an insurance deductible. A deductible is the amount of money you pay toward repairs before your collision insurance kicks in. The higher the deductible you're willing to pay, the less the collision coverage will cost.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covers damage done to your car in some way other than a collision, such as if it were stolen or vandalized. Flood, hurricane, theft, windshield damage and fire are events usually covered by comprehensive car insurance.
Like collision, comprehensive coverage will pay up to the fair market value of your car (less your insurance deductible). And although it's not legally required by any state, you will probably need it if your car is financed.