Auto Insurance

Auto
Overview

Understanding
Coverage

Helpful Terms
& Tools

Accident
Checklist

Auto Overview

You may think of vehicle insurance as one of those things you just need to buy, making quick decisions based on the “standard” policy that suits most people. However, coverage can be expensive—and damages from an accident can be even more expensive, so it pays to think about what you’re buying, and why.

- Before you purchase vehicle insurance, make sure you think about your life as a whole, the value of your assets and risk factors as a whole, and begin there when making decisions about what coverages to buy. Coverage could be different if you drive a Jaguar versus a Kia.
- Be sure you share these factors with your agent, if you use one.
- Be wary of any insurance company or insurance agent who tries to sell you insurance coverage without asking you any questions! Chances are you’d find out that you weren’t properly covered when you’re in an accident, or perhaps you’d discover you’re paying too much money for coverage you don’t need or that you already have through some other means.
- Your coverage should be designed for you!

Here You
Will Learn

An overview of vehicle insurance
How to get the right amount of coverage
How auto insurance can crossover other insurance products so that you don’t overpay for coverage, or worse, underinsure yourself.
How to read your policy’s declaration page.
About the broad number of people and entities with a financial interest in any automobile insurance; know who these parties are and what they need or want when there’s an accident.
Know what to do if you are in an auto accident with damages and/or injuries.

Auto Basics

Accidents happen. We don’t mean them to, they just do. And so you carry insurance on your vehicle, to pay for the repairs and sometimes medical bills that come with accidents. Whether the accident is your fault or someone else’s, you’re a responsible adult, and adulting means having insurance.

But not all insurance is the same. There are varying levels of coverage that protect you in different circumstances. Some insurance covers things other than accidents (and sometimes these things can be covered more cheaply elsewhere). And there are also state minimum coverages you need to keep in mind.

The “auto” in auto insurance doesn’t stand for automatic – you need to consider a lot of factors, and most policies are endlessly customizable. Here are the four most important things to think about.

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What are your minimum coverages? There are likely state minimum for Liability and Collision coverage, and if you have an auto loan or lease, you’re likely required to carry certain amounts of Collision coverage.

How much coverage do you need? This requires some significant thought. Do you need towing and rental coverage in your policy? How much liability coverage is the right amount? How important is uninsured motorist coverage?

Do I need to use an insurance agent? The choice of whether to use an agent or not is a personal one, but should be considered. Many agents are very helpful professionals who can help you navigate a complicated subject. Having that kind of person in your corner can definitely be a benefit – but like insurance policies, not all agents are created equal.

What is your insurance company going to do in the case of an accident? Understanding how insurance companies operate, and who has a financial stake when an accident is involved, can help you be a more informed consumer – which in turn results in better choices on your part. Do I need to use an insurance agent? The choice of whether to use an agent or not is a personal one, but should be considered. Many agents are very helpful professionals who can help you navigate a complicated subject. Having that kind of person in your corner can definitely be a benefit – but like insurance policies, not all agents are created equal.

Did You Know

Many states set minimums for auto insurance coverage? Make sure you check with your state’s department of motor vehicles or insurance agent to get enough coverage.