Each year, more cars hit our roads and freeways. With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, crashes can happen.
If you get in a car crash, the car insurance you own can make a large difference in what happens next. But why do you need insurance and just how much should you purchase? Car insurance protects you by paying for damage or injury you cause others while you are driving, damage to your vehicle or injury to you or your passengers from a crash, and certain other situations, such as burglary.
Without insurance, you risk having to pay the full cost of any harm or injury you cause others or of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged or stolen. Liability: Personal injury and property damage that you have caused will be paid for under liability insurance. It can also cover your legal fees if you are sued.
Local laws typically mandate minimum amounts, but higher amounts are available and extremely helpful. Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury protection pays for hospital bills and other medical treatment for you or your passengers, no matter who was responsible for the accident. It is mandated in some states and optional in others. This insurance may also pay for lost earnings, replacement of services and funeral costs. Local government typically sets minimum amounts. Medical Payments: Medical payment coverage can be purchased in states that are not considered no-fault; it will pay regardless of who may have been at fault. If you purchase this type of coverage, you will receive payment for all types of medical or funeral costs. Collision: This pays for damage to your vehicle caused by a collision. Comprehensive: Applies if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by causes other than an accident, including weather damage or vandalism. Uninsured Motorist: Thousands of drivers are breaking the law by driving a car without owning the right amount of car insurance. This type of coverage will cover you if you are in a collision with one of these irresponsible drivers. Under-Insured Motorist: This pays for collision expenses when a driver with insurance is in an accident caused by a driver who does not have the right amount of insurance to pay for the full cost of the damages.
Other types of coverage, such as car rental and emergency road service, are also available. Your car insurance payments vary by company and will depend on several factors, including: * What coverage you select * The type of the vehicle you drive * Whether or not you have been in an accident * Your age, gender and marital status * Where you live Some people have consider car insurance as a necessary evil, but it can truly rescue you from a financial mess. Review your needs, do your research , and with the support of your insurance agent, choose the option that best suits you. retail insurance slc ut