How do I know which type of car insurance coverage to get?

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There are a lot of different options when it comes to finding the right type of auto insurance coverage. When choosing the right coverage, it's important to check with your state's insurance department to see what kind of coverage is required. For example, in many states you'll be required to have at least liability coverage.

To find out if you're required to have car insurance, call your state's insurance dept. and ask them. Here's a sample script: "I'm calling about my car insurance requirement/options." You can also use our auto insurance quote tool (below) to see how much you'll save by comparing auto insurance quotes online!

There are three basic types of car insurance coverage that protect drivers in the event of an accident: collision and comprehensive.

Collision vs. Comprehensive

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car and medical bills in the event of an accident. If you're in a wreck, collision coverage pays for the repairs to your car and helps pay for medical expenses related to injuries sustained during an accident.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to other cars, structures and other vehicles in the event of an accident. If you're in a wreck, comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to other cars at fault and can help cover any injuries sustained by people involved in an accident filed by one of those other cars.

Liability vs. Property Damage (Coverage B) vs. Personal Injury Protection (Coverage A)

Liability coverage helps pay for injuries sustained in an accident regardless of who's at fault. If you're in a wreck and are injured, liability coverage helps pay for your medical expenses. This type of coverage is also required in many states, so it's a good idea to have it.

Property Damage Coverage helps pay for other vehicle damages caused by you or another driver.* If you're involved in an accident and someone else is at fault, property damage coverage will help pay for their damages as well as your own vehicle damage. You should get this if you don't want to be stuck with the bill for any damages caused by someone else.

Personal Injury Protection pays for medical expenses not covered by your health insurance. It also helps pay for lost wages and other necessary expenses following a serious accident, such as a broken leg. This type of coverage is typically required in states that don’t have medical coverage requirements under their state-issued no-fault laws.

* NOTE: Property Damage Coverage (Coverage B) is different than Collision and Comprehensive Coverage, which also help pay for damages to others' cars. You can get them together as All-Permissive Insurance or separately with parts A (Property Damage Liability), B (Collision), C (Comprehensive) or E (Medical Payments).
 
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