Pretty much every driver in the United States needs car insurance to legally drive their car. Fortunately, many companies offer affordable insurance that will allow you to drive without breaking the bank. What are some car insurance basics you should be aware of?
Insurance May Not Cover Everything
Most drivers will have a general liability policy on their car. The average liability coverage limits are 100/300. This means you will have up to $100,000 per person who is injured in an accident. Total coverage cannot exceed $300,000 in one accident. However, any damages that are more than what your policy covers will have to be paid for out-of-pocket. Review your policy to make sure you have enough coverage.
Comprehensive and Collision Insurance Are Extra
Generally liability insurance only covers the costs of the other drivers in an accident. Damage to your own vehicle will not be covered in most cases. Adding a collision policy to your car will help you pay for any damage to your vehicle. Even a small repair bill can cost you hundreds of dollars. Comprehensive insurance covers you in the event a wind storm results in a tree branch hitting your car.
Your Deductible Influences Your Cost
Most insurance policies will come with a deductible. This is the amount you must pay before the insurance policy kicks in. A higher deductible will lower your premium each month. A lower deductible increases your premium. However, a higher deductible will leave you with more exposure if you were to ever get into an accident.
Car insurance is something that everyone needs to have. Make sure that your policy provides adequate protection in case your car is ever damaged. The last thing you want is to have a huge repair bill on your hands. Your car needs to be on the road as opposed to stuck in the repair shop.