There are many types of insurance that are recommended to buy before driving a car. Some insurance is mandated, but most policies are optional and depend on different situations. Liability is mandated in every state, while collision and comprehensive are only required by lenders and lessors. However, collision and comprehensive is beneficial to many car owners and drivers even if it is not required through financing or leasing.
Other common optional coverage includes uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, and medical. Supplemental policies can also be purchased for a variety of needs, such as emergency roadside assistance and towing.
Learn all about the types of car insurance that are recommended to buy before driving a vehicle on the road and then be sure to enter your zip code above to start comparing auto insurance quotes!
Basic Car Insurance to Buy Before Driving a Car
Liability is required on every car, so before driving a car make sure the appropriate amount of liability coverage has been obtained. Most states require proof of financial responsibility to be readily available at all times, so you should have a copy of your insurance card or other appropriate identification on your person and in the car at all times. The minimum amount of liability coverage varies by state, so if you are not sure how much to purchase check with your insurance commissioner’s office.
Comprehensive and collision insurance is required if you are financing or leasing a car. However, even if the car is already titled in your name it may be worth considering comprehensive or collision insurance before driving it. Having these two optional insurance policies will provide you with compensation for almost any damage that may occur to your car (provided the damage is not due to maintenance neglect or fraud). This is especially important if the car still has some value for you. If you can afford to have your car damaged and not repaired then you may not need this coverage.
Common Car Insurance Coverage to Buy Before Driving a Car
In addition to liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance, it is worthwhile to consider purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist coverage, and medical insurance. Even though laws require liability insurance there are still people who break the law and drive without insurance, leaving you at risk of financial loss if you are hit by someone who is driving uninsured. Uninsured motorist coverage will compensate you for related damaged caused by that incident up to your policy limits.
Underinsured motorist coverage can help to compensate you if you are struck by a driver who only has the most basic minimum of insurance. For example, if a state’s basic minimum liability requirement is 20/40/10, then the person with that insurance is only responsible for paying $10,000 in property damage. If you are struck by that person and your $35,000 valued car is deemed a total loss by the insurance claims adjuster, then you will only be compensated for $10,000 and you would be faced with a $25,000 loss. If you have underinsured motorist coverage even for $20,000 your loss would then be mitigated to only $5,000.
Medical coverage may be necessary if you do not have any form of health insurance or medical catastrophe insurance. If you are involved in an accident and you are at fault or the other party is at fault but does not have the appropriate insurance coverage, then you could be responsible for your own medical bills related to the accident. Health insurance and medical catastrophe insurance will usually cover emergency room treatment, hospital stays, and related doctor bills. However, depending on the severity of your injuries your health insurance may not be sufficient coverage for your bills. Medical coverage would be available to compensate your medical bills up to your purchased coverage amount regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
Supplemental Policies to Consider Before Driving a Car
There are many supplemental policies that you can add to your insurance coverage that spans a broad horizon of incidents. While none of these are required, they each may serve a purpose that could be beneficial based on your individual needs.
One of the more common supplemental car insurance policies includes roadside emergency assistance, which may also come with towing, a rental car, and possibly a hotel room based upon the location of the accident or breakdown. Other options include insurance for lock outs and lost keys or insurance for personal items left in your vehicle (such as cell phones, laptops, purses, or tools). It is possible to purchase car insurance for specific accessories such as sun roofs or to extend the mechanical warranty on your car as well.
Through your car insurance agent you may also be able to buy accidental death insurance, credit life insurance, GAP insurance, and overseas travel insurance. You can also add additional cars to your policy or get a multiple policy discount for buying your home insurance from the same insurance company.
There are a multitude of car insurance options available that can be added to your policy for an additional premium. The types of insurance that are recommended to buy before driving a car include liability and possibly comprehensive and collision. It is also suggested to consider uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage as well as medical insurance. Supplemental policies can be added on before driving the car or later as needed.
Finding the Best Recommended Car Insurance Quotes
To find an insurance agent for the car insurance you need you can enter your zip code and start comparing free quotes online now!
