In most states, if you want to drive your own vehicle, you must be insured. Car insurance is designed to help financially cover potential auto-related damages, loss or injuries. It helps protect you, your passengers, your fellow drivers, pedestrians, other people's property and your car. It can also help protect you in the event of an automobile-related lawsuit. Below are the most common coverage choices for auto insurance. Beyond what is required in the state of California for all auto insurance you can pick and choose your coverage based on your needs, or your budget, or both. Liability Coverage If you're at fault in an accident, you could be held legally responsible for all medical and repair costs for everyone involved. Liability Coverage can shield you from these potentially devastating expenses. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: If people are injured in an accident that's your fault, Bodily Injury Liability coverage helps protect you from bills that can include: If you aren't quite sure how much coverage is right for you, you might want to consider purchasing the highest limit you can comfortably afford, or call us at 888-291-1625 for an easy exercise in understanding the amount of liability insurance you should consider carrying. Property Damage Liability Coverage: If another driver's property is damaged in an accident that's your fault, Property Damage can help pay for their: • Structural damage to homes, storefronts, etc. It can also help keep your assets safe in the event of a lawsuit resulting from a covered accident. If you're interested in carrying Property Damage Liability protection, you might want to consider purchasing the highest limit you can comfortably afford. Collision Coverage Collision coverage helps protect your car if you're in an accident that involves other cars, or objects. For instance, if your car collides with: • Other vehicles, or Collision helps pay for repairs or replacement up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your car. (Though remember, the ACV isn't the amount you paid for your car. ACV is likely a lower value, as it takes into account things like age, use, and wear and tear). Comprehensive Coverage Comprehensive coverage protects your car in situations that don't necessarily involve other drivers or vehicles. For instance, if your car's damaged by: • Storm (or other natural disaster) or if you sustain • A broken window or windshield Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist This coverage option helps pay for medical expenses, and damage to your car, caused by a driver who has little to no insurance. This Coverage Is Divided Into Two Parts • Bodily Injury Coverage — may pay medical expenses for you, your passengers, or any family members who might be driving the car when bodily injuries are caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. • Property Damage Coverage — pays for damages to your car caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Medical Payments Coverage Considering your claim is a covered loss (that's insurance-speak for an accident or incident that falls within the bounds of your policy), Medical Payments coverage helps pay for medical treatment for accident-related injuries, no matter who's at fault. These costs may include doctor visits, hospital visits and/or stays, surgery, x-rays, EMT and ambulance fees, and other similar expenses. This option covers you, your passengers, and any family members who may be driving the insured car during the accident. And while nobody likes to think about it, this option also helps cover funeral expenses. |
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