The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone or both. Show But to make the best decisions about purchasing other types of auto insurance coverage you might need, you’ll want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you’ll also want to consider coverage amounts. Why? Because state-required minimums may not cover the costs of a serious accident, so it’s worth considering purchasing higher levels of coverage. Here’s a rundown of the types of coverage available—some are required; others are optional; all are priced individually (a la carte) to let you customize coverage amounts to suit your exact needs and budget. Mandatory coverageNearly every state requires car owners to carry the following auto liability coverage:
Frequently required coverageMany states require that you carry the following coverage:
Even if these types of coverage are optional in your state, consider adding them to your policy for greater financial protection. Optional coverageWhile basic, legally mandated auto insurance covers the cost of damages to other vehicles that you cause while driving, it does not cover damage to your own car. To cover this, you need to purchase the following optional auto insurance coverages:
Mind the gap… insuranceIf you lease or finance your vehicle, auto dealers or lenders will likely require you to purchase collision and comprehensive. But keep in mind that collision and comprehensive only cover the market value of your car, not what you paid for it—and new cars depreciate quickly. If your car is totaled or stolen, there may be a “gap” between what you owe on the vehicle and your insurance coverage. To cover this, you may want to look into purchasing gap insurance to pay the difference. (Note: For leased vehicles, gap coverage is usually rolled into your lease payments.) Who is covered—and when?Your auto policy will cover you and other family members on your policy, whether driving your insured car or someone else’s car with permission. Your policy also provides coverage if someone not on your policy is driving your car with your consent. Your personal auto policy only covers personal driving, whether you’re commuting to work, running errands or taking a trip. Your personal auto policy, however, will not provide coverage if you use your car for commercial purposes—for instance, if you deliver pizzas or operate a delivery service. Note, too, that personal auto insurance will generally not provide coverage if you use your car to provide transportation to others through a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft. Some auto insurers, however, are now offering supplemental insurance products (at additional cost) that extend coverage for vehicle owners providing ride-sharing services. Learn More: Check out this handy infographic on the types of required and optional drivers insurance coverages. What are the 4 parts of a personal auto policy?It may include liability, medical payment coverage, comprehensive, or collision coverage, depending on your policy. A personal auto policy is insurance on your personal vehicle. It may include liability, medical payment coverage, comprehensive, or collision coverage, depending on your policy.
What is private passenger auto?Private passenger auto means a four-wheel “auto” of the private passenger or station wagon type. A pickup, panel truck or van not used for business is included within the definition of a “private passenger auto”.
What are the three major parts of a personal auto policy?Most auto insurance policies contain three major parts: liability insurance for bodily injury, liability insurance for property damage and uninsured/under-insured motorists coverage.
What is a covered auto?Copy. Covered auto means any vehicle designed for land transportation, whether or not licensed for highway use, and owned or operated by the member. Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3. Covered auto means:a . any auto or trailer shown on the declarations page for the coverages applicable to that auto or trailer;b .
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