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Auto Insurance Buying Guide

Auto Insurance Buying Guide

Auto insurance has often been referred to as the most commonly used insurance, and there truly are many situations daily that may require proper coverage. Most states have mandatory guidelines that drivers must follow when retaining auto insurance, but the minimum requirements often are not acceptable in the event of an accident. A consumer must truly understand the different types of coverage before deciding what level of protection is appropriate for them.

The required portion of auto insurance is liability coverage, which will cover both bodily injury and property damage of other drivers. The liability coverage alone does not offer any type of injury or damage protection to the policyholder, but does indeed protect them from lawsuits and claims. However, the minimum requirements are often ridiculously low and it is almost always necessary to increase these levels in order to properly protect an individual.

Collision coverage is designed to actually protect the policyholder's vehicle in the event of an accident. The insurance company will pay to repair or replace a car, even if the policyholder is the one at fault. There are normally deductibles that must be paid, but the insurer will pay the rest.

Comprehensive coverage will repair or replace a vehicle in the event of any disaster or theft. There is also commonly a deductible that must be paid with this type of protection, but then the insurer will pick up the rest of the cost.

Many consumers drive without proper coverage, but underinsured and uninsured motorist provisions within an auto insurance policy will protect the policyholder. If there is a hit and run incident or if the other driver simply does not carry appropriate insurance, the victim's insurance company will help pay to repair or replace the vehicle.

Obtaining appropriate levels on all types of coverage is a critical part of proper protection, but the price does increase as well. Some ways to save on auto insurance include raising the deductibles and being a safe and responsible driver. There are also commonly discounts for student drivers with good grades and drivers that have successfully completed a safety program. Some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others, but some are less expensive with features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and other safety items. Most insurers will provide discounts for policyholders that have more than one vehicle insured with them. However, the best way to save is still shopping around and comparing multiple quotes online for auto insurance.