The Different Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Explained

What are the different types of auto insurance coverage? A basic auto insurance policy usually includes six types of auto insurance coverage (along with other optional coverage types) to make sure every driver has just what they need. So what are the six basic types of automobile insurance coverage?

Three common types of car insurance are liability, collision, and comprehensive. 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 specific events that may cause damage to your vehicle or to specific needs you may have if you’re involved in an accident. So when asking “what does auto insurance cover?” it depends.

With so many types of automobile insurance, how do you now what is right for you?

Most of these coverage types are optional, and adding them to your policy will increase your rates. When in doubt, ask your agent to clearly explain the car insurance coverage options to you. This will help make sure you’ve got the coverage you need and aren’t paying more than you should when you’re looking for cheap auto insurance.

Read on to have the different types of auto insurance coverage explained, and then be sure to enter your ZIP code to compare online auto insurance quotes and get the right coverage for your needs.

Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Explained

Different types of auto coverage meet different kinds of needs, and different types of car insurance companies specialize in these different types of auto insurance coverage.

What are the six or seven types of auto insurance? Five types of vehicle insurance include liability, collision, comprehensive, fire and theft coverage, and personal injury protection. We’ll discuss these five types of vehicle insurance and more below.

So what are the basic types of automobile insurance coverage? Keep reading to find out more about car insurance meaning and types.

 

What is liability auto insurance coverage?

What is liability auto insurance coverage? Liability insurance is one of the many different levels of auto insurance and does not cover any expenses related to damage to your property, or any injuries you may suffer.

Liability exists to pay for those things suffered by the other parties in an accident for which you are found to be at fault.

All states require a minimum amount of liability coverage in order to legally drive a vehicle.

Take a look at this table, populated with data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), to see what the liability coverage requirements are in your state.

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To make this table easier to read, we summarized the acronym and abbreviations.

As you can see, requirements vary by state.

In some states, you can avoid buying liability coverage if you can prove you have the personal financial resources to cover the minimum requirements levied by the state.

Liability insurance covers you when driving any vehicle you own or if you drive someone else’s car with their permission. Read the next couple of sections to learn more about two types of auto insurance that fall in the liability coverage category.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability does not cover damage to your own property; it kicks in when you are found at fault in an accident and your vehicle has damaged someone else’s property.

There are varying degrees of this type of coverage that will determine exactly what damages are covered.

You will choose the amount of coverage when you buy the policy, and there may also be state-imposed minimums, especially if your vehicle is financed.

The amount of coverage selected will determine the rate you pay for it.

Property damage liability is one of the types of car insurance coverage that may include a deductible.

Having this type of coverage protects you from paying out-of-pocket if you are found at fault for damage to anyone else’s property, and it is important in determining your costs.

Bodily Injury Liability

If you are found at fault in an accident that resulted in injury to another party, bodily injury liability coverage comes into play.

Bodily injury does not cover your own injuries, or those of any other driver included on your insurance policy.

This coverage usually pays for:

• Medical bills
• Physical therapy or rehabilitation
• Work time lost due to injury
• Legal representation for the other party
• Funeral costs
• Possibly pain and suffering

Medical expenses can skyrocket and cause tremendous financial hardship if you have to pay for them out of pocket.

What is comprehensive coverage?

True to its name, comprehensive coverage applies to almost any type of loss that may occur, but not as a result of an auto accident.

Comprehensive pays for damage to your car caused by something other than another vehicle. Take a minute to watch this video for more information.

It could be anything such as damage from severe weather such as tornadoes, hurricanes, or hail storms, or natural disasters such as earthquake, flood, or fire.

It also applies if you hit an animal, or if your vehicle is vandalized or stolen.

Even in the unlikely event that something falls on your car and damages it, comprehensive coverage will pay for the repairs.

 

What is collision coverage?

Collision coverage applies when your vehicle is involved in any kind of collision, whether it’s with another vehicle, a building, a guardrail, or any other stationary object.

In some cases, it also covers damage caused by the vehicle flipping over or running over potholes.

Watch this video for more information on collision coverage.

Collision coverage will pay for the repairs your vehicle needs after any of these incidents, or to replace your car altogether if the collision causes a total loss, also known as totaling the car.

The most important thing to remember in this case is, you will be reimbursed for the current value of the vehicle, not the purchase price.

What is fire and theft coverage?

As the name states, this type of auto insurance coverage applies when your vehicle is damaged or totaled as a result of a fire or if your car is stolen.

Auto insurance theft coverage is something that most drivers do not consider until it’s too late.

If your car catches fire due to lightning or an explosion, this coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle.

It also offers some redundancies in coverage for things like floods, earthquakes, hail or wind damage, vandalism, or accidents caused by hitting an animal.

Additionally, it may pay for damages resulting from an accident involving an uninsured driver, provided you are not at fault.

Another one of the five types of vehicle insurance we noted earlier is is personal injury protection. Read on to learn more.

What is personal injury protection?

Personal injury protection, or PIP, is sometimes called “no-fault coverage.” In many states, it’s known as medical payment insurance. Take a look at this video for more.

PIP is a complement to bodily injury liability coverage in that it covers approximately 80 percent of medical expenses including rehabilitation, funeral costs, and lost wages.

Where it differs from bodily injury liability is that it covers you, your passengers, or anyone authorized to drive your vehicle.

This type of coverage is mandatory in 16 states. Your state’s Department of Insurance, or your insurance agent, will be able to tell you if you are required to have it.

If you live in a state where it’s optional, you may want to consider adding it to your policy for extra protection.

What is underinsured driver coverage?

Underinsured driver or motorist (UIM) coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who carries the legal minimum amount of liability insurance but no extra insurance to cover all your losses.

It only applies when the underinsured driver is at fault. UIM will cover your medical expenses, property damage in some states, and lost wages.

It may also cover the expense of a rental car until your own vehicle is repaired. UIM is mandatory in some states and optional in others.

Check with your state’s Department of Insurance, Department of Motor Vehicles, or your insurance agent for your state’s requirements.

What is uninsured driver coverage?

Also called uninsured motorist coverage, or UM, this kicks in if you’re involved in an accident with:

• A driver who carries no auto insurance whatsoever
• A driver who carries insurance coverage that falls below the state’s required minimums
• A driver who is insured by a company that is financially unable to cover your losses
• A driver who hits you and flees the scene.

Like UIM, it covers your medical expenses and those of your passengers. In some states it also covers damage to your vehicle and may cover reimbursement for a rental car.

It is not mandatory in all states, so check the laws where you live.

What is gap insurance?

Within the first three months of buying a new car, it loses as much as 30 percent of its value.

If you were to be involved in an accident and your brand new car was totaled, or your new car was stolen, your regular auto insurance would not reimburse you for the entire amount you just financed.

It would only cover the current value of the vehicle, but you would still be responsible for the gap between the value of the car and what you owe your lienholder.

Because of this, gap insurance is also known as loan/lease insurance, or loan/lease payoff insurance.

Some lenders may even require it when you finance a vehicle, so be prepared for this added expense when you buy a new car.

What is rental car insurance?

If your policy doesn’t include coverage for rental cars, this type of supplemental policy can be invaluable, especially if you travel frequently.

Rental car insurance offers some of the same basic coverages as your standard auto policy, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, but in this instance, it’s called a loss damage waiver (LDW), or a collision damage waiver (CDW).

It also includes liability coverage for damage to property belonging to others and personal accident coverage for injuries.

Unique to rental car insurance is personal effects coverage (PEC), which reimburses you if your belongings are stolen from the car you’re renting.

Rental car insurance is not the same coverage that provides you with a rental car if your vehicle is damaged in an accident.

What is pay-per-mile insurance coverage?

Pay-per-mile coverage, also called pay-as-you-drive or usage-based insurance, basically means what the name suggests.

You pay for insurance based on the number of miles you actually drive rather than an annual estimate.

The auto insurance company may also take into account when, where, and possibly how you drive to determine your rates.

A small GPS device is installed on your vehicle that provides the insurance company with this information, allowing them to accurately bill you on actual use rather than estimates.

This is ideal for those who don’t drive very often, don’t drive during rush hours, drive in less densely populated areas, and demonstrate safe driving practices.

Once you understand all of the different coverage characteristics and functions of an auto insurance policy, then it’s time to get started comparing some rate quotes.

To compare free online auto insurance quotes, just enter your ZIP code.

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Auto Insurance Basics

What are the six basic types of auto insurance? Bodily injury liability, medical payments/PIP, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage are the six primary coverage types, as we’ve already discussed.

Now that you know the answer to questions like how many types of auto insurance are there, what are the basic types of automobile insurance coverage, and what are the different types of vehicle insurance, what else do you need to know?

Keep reading to learn more about what auto insurance covers, different categories of coverage, etc.

What types of needs does auto insurance cover?

What are the types of vehicle insurance? The main types of auto insurance are collision and comprehensive. The average cost of full coverage in the U.S. is $79.58/month, but major insurers offer many add-ons as well.

• Collision and comprehensive are the two basic types of auto insurance coverage and perhaps the two most well-known to consumers
• A deductible is an agreed amount of money that you cover out-of-pocket in the event of a claim; the insurance company pays the rest
• Make sure you have the liability coverage required by law at the very least
• When you start shopping for coverage make sure to use insurance comparison sites to make sure that you are getting the best deal for the coverage you need

Choosing auto insurance coverage can be intimidating, especially when you don’t understand the terminology.

There are two basic types of insurance that protect your vehicle: collision and comprehensive. In addition to these two types, there are several other options available. Read on to learn more.

Who doesn’t love saving money?  Just type your ZIP code into the free box on this page and compare online auto insurance rates now.  See if you’re paying more than you need to be!

What are the two main categories of automobile insurance coverage?

What are the two types of car insurance? Collision and comprehensive are the two basic types of auto insurance coverage and perhaps the two most well-known to consumers.

However, it can still be confusing if you aren’t sure what you need and why you need it. There are some important differences between collision and comprehensive insurance.

Collision insurance is just as it sounds. It covers the costs when you are in a collision. The collision could be with another vehicle or with an object such as a mailbox, a fence, a guardrail, etc.

When you have collision insurance, your insurance company will pay for the damages.

Comprehensive insurance is the cover-all insurance. While collision covers a collision with another vehicle or object, what about all the other things that can happen to your vehicle?

Comprehensive coverage covers many other kinds of damage such as weather damage, animal collision, a falling tree, or damage due to a natural disaster.

Comprehensive coverage also provides insurance for intentional damage done by others. Vandalism damage and theft replacement are part of a comprehensive coverage. This type of policy pays the repair or replacement cost of your vehicle as needed.

To give you an idea of what you might pay for these kinds of coverage (as well as liability and full coverage), take a look at this table, which summarizes National Associations of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data on average rates by state.

These rates are just a baseline, and what you pay will vary based on your person circumstances, deductible (which we’ll discuss next), and more.

 

Is a deductible a type of insurance?

No, a deductible is an agreed amount of money that you cover out-of-pocket in the event of a claim, the insurance company pays the rest. Typically, the insurance company will simply pay out the claim minus the deductible amount. But be sure to choose a deductible that you can afford.

The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your monthly premium.

Some people choose a high deductible just to save money each month, but if you choose a higher deductible, make sure you have the money available.

Deductible amounts usually start at $250 and go up in increments of $250 or $500.

What are the five different types of auto insurance and what do they cover?

In addition to collision and comprehensive coverage there are an additional five types of vehicle insurance coverage options that are standard options with most auto insurance companies:

• Liability – The first one is liability insurance. Instead of protecting your vehicle, this covers damage to another person or their property when you are at fault. This is the coverage required by most state auto insurance laws. Basically, if you damage another vehicle or someone’s property, your insurance covers the damages including medical bills up to a certain limit.
• UM/UIM – Another type of coverage is Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Protection. This type of coverage may seem unfair. Why should you have to pay to cover your vehicle if an uninsured driver causes damage? Well, it may not be fair, but it is far better than being stuck with the bill or having to go to through a lawsuit to get the payment from the other driver.
• PIP or Medical Payments – This coverage will help pay for your medical expenses and those of your passengers when you are injured in an accident. It does not coverage another driver’s injuries.

The last two types of coverage are less common:

• No-Fault – No-fault insurance is only available in 12 states, but it covers damages and medical expenses for yourself and others involved in the accident regardless of fault.
• Gap Insurance – This auto loan is the last coverage type and it does as its name suggests and fills in the gaps in your insurance. It fills in if your bills exceed your coverage either in repairs, replacement, or medical bills.

You can speak to a licensed insurance agent to find out what the right mix of these coverage types is for your needs and situation.

How do I know what type of insurance I need?

The first way to answer this question is to find out what your state’s requirements are. Make sure you have the liability coverage required by law at the very least. However, this is typically not enough to cover the costs of an accident or the replacement of a vehicle, so you may need more coverage.

If you have a lien on your vehicle, most lenders require you to have comprehensive coverage so that the vehicle can be paid off and replaced if it is totaled in an accident.

Collision is good for a paid off car that still has a higher replacement value.

PIP coverage is necessary if you don’t have any medical insurance or have a high-cost medical plan. Gap insurance is a good idea only if you own several vehicles and those vehicles are close to new.

Uninsured motorist coverage is a must or you could lose your vehicle and not have the money to replace it.

Whatever coverage you need, you can compare auto insurance rates right now by entering your ZIP code in the box.

Main Types of Auto Insurance Coverage Every Driver Should Know

What are the three main types of car insurance? Liability, bodily injury, and property damage coverage are the most common insurance coverage types. Did you know safety features can save you up to 8 percent on your auto insurance?

• Some form of auto insurance or proof you can pay for damages you cause is required in every state
• Your auto insurance policy protects you in the event of an auto accident
• Your auto insurance coverage usually has a deductible payment

Auto insurance is something you purchase in advance to help cover the costs of damage that you may cause or that is caused by other people and incidents when driving your vehicle.

After you determine how much auto insurance coverage you need, compare your current auto insurance with competitive auto insurance quotes from companies that want your business.

Auto insurance can be expensive, but it actually saves money if you are in a major car accident. Understanding the components of auto insurance can be confusing.

Enter your ZIP code and start comparing affordable auto insurance quotes now.

How does auto insurance work if I am in a car accident?

Your auto insurance policy protects you in the event of an auto accident by protecting the value of your car.

For example, your auto insurance company maintains a record of your vehicle identification number (VIN) and usually keeps photos of your vehicle to verify its condition.

If you’re involved in an auto accident, any resulting auto body damage is covered by the auto insurance policy.

While liability covers the other person and their vehicle when you are at fault, collision and comprehensive cover your vehicle and require a deductible payment. Depending on your policy, your deductible may vary.

A higher deductible per accident may mean lower auto insurance rates, and vice versa.

Some drivers may have an auto accident that doesn’t involve another driver. If the driver backs their vehicle into a yard fence, both the vehicle and the and fence may require repairs.

Auto insurance coverage usually compensates the driver for any damage above their deductible level.

 

How does collision coverage work?

Collision coverage on your vehicle is important if you’re involved in an accident involving another motorist and car. If you’re at fault, meaning that your driving mistakes caused the accident, collision insurance pays for the damage to your vehicle.

When collisions occur involving multiple autos and drivers, your auto insurance policy can pay for the resulting damages for all those involved (if you were at fault). Your liability would cover the other driver and their vehicle while your collision coverage, if you have it, will cover your vehicle.

If you weren’t at fault, your auto insurance policy allows for efficient repairs to your vehicle. Your insurance company pursues the driver at fault, and their auto insurance policy to cover the costs of repairs and medical treatment.

Tort and at-fault states differ in this, so find out which auto insurance laws your state follows.

In any auto accident involving another vehicle and motorist, it’s essential to contact the police to ascertain any property damage and personal injury.

Don’t take the word of another motorist to pay for the damage to your car. Contact the police to ensure that an accurate assessment of the accident is prepared. Identify any witnesses to the accident, and obtain their contact information.

In many instances, auto insurance rates increase after the insurance company pays for a car accident claim.

How does liability coverage work?

All forms of liability coverage are meant to protect you from your own actions. If you cause an accident this mandatory coverage will help to pay for the damages.

• Bodily injury coverage is essential to protect the driver from lawsuits resulting from an auto accident. This basic coverage is mandatory, though the amount of bodily injury coverage may vary from state to state.
• Property damage liability covers you from damage resulting to another driver’s vehicle or property. Property damage liability extends to another driver allowed to drive your auto vehicle and covers property damaged by impact from your vehicle.

As we’ve already noted, some form of liability coverage is required in most states, so check with your local insurance department to make sure your policy meets at least the minimum requirements.

How does personal injury protection work?

Personal injury protection (PIP) is an optional policy in most places and can be added to your policy.

Any medical expenses, treatments, lost income, and burial costs are covered by PIP.

The driver of the vehicle and any vehicle passengers are covered by PIP, regardless of fault.

How does comprehensive auto insurance work?

If your vehicle is damaged in a fire, earthquake, flood, hail, vandalism, or theft, comprehensive insurance provides reimbursement of damages.

Most policies allow the driver to select the deductible level applied to comprehensive insurance coverage.

Depending on your auto insurance needs and desired coverage levels, comparative insurance quotes can save you money.

If you haven’t compared your existing auto insurance rates with those from other auto insurance companies in a while, do it now! Our online tool makes comparison shopping for low auto insurance rates fast and easy.

Compare only auto insurance quotes today by clicking on the link, and entering your ZIP code.

Various Types of Vehicle Insurance

You’ll need to choose the right type of insurance for your specific vehicle. The national average rate for auto insurance is around $79.58 according to the NAIC.

• Auto insurance coverage is not a one-size-fits-all solution
• This insurance can range from simple liability to cover damage to other cars in an accident to full comprehensive coverage for damage caused by vandals or storms
• Motorcycle riders are at greater risk for injury in accidents, and their bikes are more likely to have serious damage if there is an accident

When you’re ready to insure your car, there is more to buying coverage than just calling a company and asking for protection.

You need to choose the right type of coverage for your specific vehicle.

Use this information about different types of auto insurance to find the right coverage for your needs.

Be sure to enter your ZIP code into our free tool to find and compare quotes easily.

What is daily driver insurance?

Most people need insurance for a daily driver. Even if you also have insurance for an RV, boat, or classic car, you’ll still need coverage for the car you drive to work every day.

This insurance can range from simple liability to cover damage to other cars in an accident to full comprehensive coverage for damage caused by vandals or storms.

The amount you pay increases as you add more coverage or reduce your deductible.

 

What is motorcycle insurance?

If you love the feel of the open road on a bike, then you need special protection for your ride.

Bikes don’t provide riders with any protection in an accident, so you need to have better insurance.

Consider adding the following to your policy:

• Accessory coverage – protects your bike’s expensive accessories that are likely to be damaged if you take a bad spill.
• Comprehensive physical damage – protects your bike and helps you get it back in top condition after an accident.
• Collision coverage – is important in case you cause the accident.
• Bodily injury coverage – is a must for anyone riding a motorcycle because it takes care of the driver after an accident and you can also get coverage for your passenger.
• Medical payments insurance – is an option with some companies that don’t offer bodily injury liability coverage.

Motorcycle riders are at greater risk for injury in accidents, and their bikes are more likely to have serious damage if there is an accident.

What is motorhome and travel trailer insurance?

If you drive a motorhome, then you know that insurance is required. People who tow trailers often decide to skip dedicated insurance because the trailer is covered by auto insurance in the event of an accident.

If you use the RV on a regular basis, then you need a policy that is more like a homeowner’s policy than car coverage.

These plans are known as full-time coverage, and they provide you with protection from accidents that can happen in the camper or at the campsite.

If you’re using the RV on a full-time basis and don’t have this protection, the company can deny you coverage.

It’s also important to cover your trailer separately to protect it from damage that can occur while it’s stationary. For example, roof vent seals can go bad at any time, and this will allow water to invade the structure and seriously damage it.

Without the right protection, you won’t be covered for this damage.

Even with this protection, the company can deny the claim if they believe that you failed to perform maintenance or allowed a problem to go unchecked.

This is why it’s so important to check roof seals regularly and keep up with all necessary maintenance. Maintain a log showing when maintenance was performed in case you have to file a claim.

You’ll also want to invest in personal effects coverage. Most people travel with valuables, including electronics, jewelry, and other items.

With this coverage, your belongings will be covered in the event of an accident or even theft.

Otherwise, you could be underinsured and find yourself struggling to replace these personal items after an incident.

Towing insurance is vital for motorhomes, so make sure that your policy has you covered. Recreational vehicles are larger and heavier than most other vehicles on the road, and a large class A motorhome will have to be towed by a special tow truck that can handle semi-trucks.

This towing bill could be outrageous, but you’ll have the coverage you need if you’ve invested in the right insurance.

 

What is boat insurance?

When you have a boat, you’re going to need insurance. In addition to accident protection, there are other liabilities you need to be concerned about with boats.

As with a motorhome, you should invest in personal property coverage to replace wetsuits, fishing equipment, and electronics in case of a total loss.

While motorhomes need special towing consideration, boats need special insurance for wreck removal to pay for pulling a boat out of the water should it sink.

Trailer insurance covers the trailer that carries your boat on the road, but there are a few insurance considerations that are unique to boats including:

• Pollution liability – protects you from the legal liability you might face after an accidental oil or fuel spill from your vessel.
• Watersports liability – protects your guests when you’re enjoying water skiing, wakeboarding, or tubing.
• Towing and assistance coverage – provides you with the extra assistance and protection you need if you break down while you’re out on the water.
• Off-season protection – is important to protect the structure of your boat while it’s not in the water. Proper winterizing is necessary, and you should have the boat protected with covers or a full garage to satisfy some insurance requirements. As with RV insurance, the company can deny claims if they believe that the vessel was neglected and problems were ignored.

Talk to a licensed insurance agent to learn more.

What is classic car coverage?

Your classic car is nothing like your daily driver. If you have a fender bender in a brand new Ford, then finding a new bumper is no problem.

When something happens and you get a ding in the front fender of your Studebaker, finding a replacement part is nearly impossible.

Parts have to be custom fabricated by specialists, and this can become a costly venture.

Classic or exotic cars need special insurance to protect them. They allow you and the insurance company to agree on value because there are very few comparable sales for determining an accurate value.

The cars are often rarely, and you can customize this with your insurance company to be sure you’re covered for the miles you want to drive.

It’s also important to have the right towing and protection insurance to avoid having your classic GTO towed on a regular truck.

With the right protection plan, you can be confident that your car will be carried on a flatbed truck if it ever needs to be towed.

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Making the Right Auto Insurance Decision

When you have something special in the garage, you want to make sure it’s protected. The right insurance protects your investment in your motorcycle, RV, boat, or classic car, so you can enjoy your ride and know that you’re covered.

Different car insurance companies offer this insurance in addition to daily driver coverage, and you may qualify for handsome discounts if you trust the same company with both plans.

However, you may decide that you need something different and want to go with an insurance company that specializes in boats or classic cars.

Take the time to compare rates and look at the different features available with each company before you decide which one to trust with your special ride.

Ready to get started purchasing the right kind of auto insurance for your needs? Simply enter your ZIP code into our free tool to compare car insurance quotes now.