What Are the Basic Types of Auto Insurance Coverage?

With car insurance, you’ll need, at minimum, some type of liability coverage to be considered a legal driver. Most states also require certain limits with car insurance, although additional requirements will vary by state. However, there are generally certain basic types of liability coverage you’ll need to obtain to be sufficiently protected and covered as a vehicle owner. Here’s what you need to know regarding the basic types of car insurance, brought to you by Altra Insurance Services, a premier provider of auto, homeowners, renters, and motorcycle insurance San Diego residents can rely on for affordable coverage.

Bodily Injury Coverage

This type of car insurance coverage protects you from having to fully cover medical expenses or lost wages for anyone injured in an accident you were fully or partially responsible for. This typically applies to the driver in the other car and any injured passengers. Also, it can save you a significant amount of money if it’s needed.

Property Damage Coverage

With this type of liability coverage, any property damaged as a result of an accident would be covered to some extent. Property damage liability coverage applies to damage to vehicles, homes, office buildings, and similar structures that could be damaged by some type of impact.

Medical Payments Coverage

Coverage of this nature applies to medical expenses for you or any passengers in your vehicle who may have been affected by an accident. It typically covers initial treatment and rehab, dental care, and—if necessary—funeral costs. Personal injury protection is a related type of coverage you may wish to consider to cover accident-related medical expenses.

Comprehensive Coverage

Not all types of vehicle damage may involve an accident. This is where comprehensive coverage comes into play. It covers vehicle damage from circumstances normally beyond your control (e.g., theft, vandalism, fire, hitting an animal, hail, etc.).

Collision Coverage

The circumstances that could result in car damage usually can’t be foreseen with any degree of accuracy. For this reason, collision coverage is often a part of basic car insurance coverage. It covers damage from accidents involving:

• Another vehicle
• Some other type of object (e.g., running into a guardrail when roads are slippery)
• Your vehicle only, such as what might happen in a rollover accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Just because every driver has to have a certain degree of coverage to be a legal driver in any state doesn’t mean this is what actually happens. There may also be times when an at-fault driver in another vehicle is underinsured, meaning the individual doesn’t have everything required for basic coverage. This is why uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage is often a part of basic car insurance coverage.

Getting a personalized quote from a trusted auto insurance provider gives you a chance to receive coverage recommendations more specific to your needs. When they need reliable affordable car insurance, National City drivers turn to Altra Insurance Services. For high-quality insurance and unparalleled service, reach out to one of our friendly representatives today at (800) 719-9972 to learn how you can save money on your auto insurance.