Below is a list of resources we’ve written and compiled to help educate you about auto insurance.
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please let us know at questions@autoinsurance.org
Policy Basics
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What is Auto Insurance?
Auto insurance is protection. When you enter into a contract with an insurance company, they agree to protect you from financial losses resulting from an accident, in exchange for your payment of a premium. Your policy will define what losses are covered, and the coverage limits. Auto insurance provides coverage for property, medical expenses, and liability.
Property coverage pays if your vehicle is damaged or stolen.
Medical coverage…
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Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates
Age
Driving History
Auto Theft
Location
New or Used Vehicle
Coverage Gaps
Accidents…
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Choosing a Policy
If you watch any television or surf the Internet, you probably see ads for auto insurance companies every day. Some of them use cute, talking animals or perky sales girls. Some rely on catchy, rhyming jingles. Still others try to gain your business through deep-voiced, trustworthy-looking actors.
When choosing an insurance company, the goal is to see past the gimmicks to the real information that will help you make this important decision. By doing a little research, and knowin…
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How to Cancel Your Policy
There are several reasons why you may want to cancel your auto insurance. Maybe you found a better rate with another company. After a few years, you finally paid off your car and are no longer required to carry insurance on it. Or perhaps you’ve decided to be more environmentally responsible, and have sold your vehicle in favor of riding a bicycle. Whatever your reason, there is a process to canceling your insurance that will ensure it’s done quickly, that things go smoothly, and that you w…
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How to File a Claim
Filing an auto insurance claim is something no one ever wants to do. It means something bad has happened to your vehicle, and it now needs to be repaired or replaced. An accident or theft is very upsetting, and not knowing what to do afterward can just add to that stress. Having a checklist, and keeping a copy in your glove box, will help you get through the process of filing a claim.
Do you need to file a claim?
This is the first question you need to ask yourself …
Types of Coverage
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Types of Auto Insurance Coverage
A basic auto insurance policy usually includes six types of coverage. They provide the broadest protection for the most common events for which you would file a claim. In addition to those six basic types, there are several others that apply to very specific events that may cause damage to your vehicle, or to specific needs you may have if you’re involved in an accident. Most of these coverages are optional, and adding them to your policy will increase your premium. Depending on the situati…
Auto Insurance FAQ
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What’s Covered by a Basic Policy?
There are six types of auto insurance coverage. The most basic type is liability coverage. It protects you if you are at fault in an accident. Normally, you are only able to opt for liability only coverage when you own your vehicle outright. If the vehicle is financed, the lender, and the insurance company, will most likely require you to have full coverage. A full coverage policy may include six types of coverage, or some combination thereof.
Property Damage Liability
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