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Car
insurance has two major components: collision and liability.
Collision coverage
pays for damage to your car when your car hits, or is hit by, another
vehicle or other object. To keep your premiums low, select as large a
deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of pocket. For older cars,
consider dropping this coverage, since coverage is normally limited to
the cash value of your car.
For instance, if the 6 month premium for the collision portion of your
automobile insurance totals more than the book value of your car it
probably makes sense not to purchase it.
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1.
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Bodily injury liability
provides protection if you injure or kill someone while operating your
car. It also provides for a legal defense if another party in the
accident files a lawsuit against you. In the event of a serious
accident, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a
lawsuit, without jeopardizing your personal assets. Bodily injury
liability covers injury to people, not your vehicle. Therefore it’s a
good idea to have the same level of coverage for all of your cars.
2.
Property damage liability
protects you if your car damages someone else’s property. It also
provides you with legal defense if another party files a lawsuit against
you. It is a good idea to purchase enough of this insurance to cover the
amount of damage your car might do to another vehicle or object.There
are other subsets of auto insurance that vary from state to state.
3.
Uninsured motorists coverage
pays for your injuries caused by an uninsured driver or, in some states,
a hit-and-run driver, in a crash that is not your fault. In some states
there is also uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle.
Given the large number of uninsured motorists, this is very important
coverage to have, even in states with no-fault insurance.Medical
Payments insurance is extra auto insurance that will specifically cover
your medical bills that may not be covered by the other guys insurance
or if you or your passengers are injured in a no fault accident.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is similar to Medical Payments and is
required in many states that don't require uninsured motorist insurance.
4.
Comprehensive physical damage coverage
pays for losses resulting from incidents other than collision. For
example, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car if it is
stolen; or damaged by flood, fire or animals. To keep your premiums low,
select as high a deductible as you feel comfortable paying out of
pocket.Some
companies will give you a discount on your automobile insurance if you
also carry other types of policies with them like home owners insurance.
Other discounts may be given if you have anti theft devices, if you have
attended a defensive driving course and things like your driving record,
where you live, age of drivers on the policy and the type and number of
vehicles on the policy can affect the price of your car insurance.
5. Personal Injury Protection coverage is a set of coverage’s
not available in all states. It’s often a required part of your car
insurance policy. If you or another individual is injured in an
accident, PIP plans generally help pay for medical costs, lost
wages, and other expenses. PIP coverage vary from state to state so
it’s better to check what is available and required in your state.
In states where it's optional, you will want to consider whether you
need this coverage. If you and your passengers are already covered
by existing health plans and disability insurance, you may find this
to be a waste.
6. Uninsured motor coverage pays for medical expenses, lost
wages, and other general damages when policyholders, authorized
drivers, or passengers are injured in an accident caused by a driver
who has no auto insurance. It may also pay for injuries in
hit-and-run accidents. Covered costs are subjected to the limits as
per policy purchased by you.
7. Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage pays for
similar expenses when the accident is caused by a driver who has
insufficient auto insurance coverage. |