There are more cars and drivers on the road each year. As this number goes up, the chances of a car accident will also go up. Automobile insurance can be the difference between a minor setback and a large hassle. But why do you need insurance and exactly how much should you buy? Required coverage varies based on the state/province but typically includes the following: Liability: Bodily injury and property damage that you are responsible for will be paid for under this type of insurance. If you are in legal trouble, it also pays your court costs. Recommended, higher levels of liability insurance can be purchased that cover more events than the stripped-down, state-mandated varieties. Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury insurance is mandated in some states and is optional in others. It pays you or your passengers for medical treatment resulting from a crash, regardless of who may have been at fault, and is often called no-fault coverage. The minimum amount of personal injury protection is usually set by the state. Medical Payments: This type of coverage is available in non-no-fault states and will pay regardless of who is responsible for an accident. All reasonable medical or funeral expenses will be covered under this type of coverage. Collision: Pays for damages to your vehicle caused by a collision. Comprehensive: This type of insurance covers any non-collision damages. This may include weather damage, vandalism, and burglary. Uninsured Motorist: Pays for damages when someone with insurance is in an accident caused by a driver who does not have liability insurance or by a hit-and-run driver. Under-Insured Motorist: Just like uninsured motorist protection, this type of insurance covers you from drivers without enough insurance coverage. Other types of coverage, like emergency road service, are also available. Your car insurance payments varies based on the company and will depend on multiple factors, including: *Your desired coverage *Your vehicle's make and model * Your driving record * Your age, gender and marital status * Where you live Some people don't want to pay for car insurance, but it is truly something you don't want to live without. Evaluate your needs, research your options, and with the guidance of your insurance agent, make the decision that fits you best. State Farm Clermont
