Auto Insurance Explained in Simple Terms

Author: Brooke Bailey

Auto insurance, is insurance that you purchase for your cars, trucks, motorcycles and boats etc. It provides you with protection from losses that may incur as a result of a car accident. While this may sound simple enough to understand there are many types of auto insurance policies available to you and it can be rather confusing. Your coverage level and types will vary depending on the policy that you choose. In general, these are the most common types of auto insurance programs available to you:

The Different Auto Insurance Coverage Available

Collision Coverage: insures your vehicle against repairs if the vehicle is in an accident or the cost of purchasing a new vehicle if yours is damaged beyond repair.

Comprehensive Coverage: insures your vehicles against the cost of purchasing a new vehicle should yours be stolen or destroyed in a fire.

The Different Auto Insurance Coverage Protection

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - insures against medical expenses and lost wages related to ownership or maintenance of a vehicle. This insurance is mandatory in most states, but not all so be sure to research your state requirements prior.

Medical Payments (MP) - insures against medical expenses for bodily injury sustained in an accident that is beyond any of the expenses that are covered by personal injury protection (PIP).

Legal liability claims against the owner or driver of the vehicle causing damage or injury to a third party involved in an accident. Liability Insurance only covers legal liability.

Comprehensive Insurance covers PIP, MP and legal Liability. In the U.S. liability insurance covers claims against the policyholder and also that of any other operator of the insured's vehicle. If any other operators reside at the same address, they must be additionally covered on the auto insurance policy.

Comprehensive Insurance covers most details of damage which can affect the car, the driver, there is risk associated with buying a new car that is not covered even by comprehensive insurance. Basically, once the car is bought, there is a decline in the cars total value. During this period the remaining car payments exceed the value of the vehicle, thus making the compensation the insurer will pay for a totaled (destroyed) vehicle. To help with this scenario the insurer can purchase GAP insurance. GAP insurance will cover these costs. GAP insurance was established to provide protection to consumers based on the buying and market trends.

As you can see there are many different auto insurance considerations when picking a new insurance policy. Be sure you understand them all in detail and that you have the best coverage for you, your car and your family should you need it if you get into an accident. Also keep in mind that these are general guidelines and the laws may vary within your state so ask questions!

About the author: Brooke, the owner of Get Car Insurance Now specializes in Auto Insurance and Car Insurance Quotes to help you save money and keep you, your car and your family safe on the road. Visit us today!