It's important to read and understand your entire auto insurance policy, not just the declaration page. The declaration page provides a summary of your coverages, limits, and premiums, but the full policy outlines key details like:
- Policy terms and definitions - Know what key words like "insured" and "covered auto" mean.
- Insuring agreement - This explains what is and isn't covered under each type of coverage.
- Exclusions and limitations - Lists situations and damages that are excluded from coverage.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
There are several common types of car insurance coverage to understand:
Liability Coverage
This covers injuries or property damage that you cause to others when driving your vehicle. There are two components:
- Bodily injury liability - covers medical bills for people injured in an accident you cause.
- Property damage liability - covers damage to another vehicle or property in an accident you cause.
Liability coverage is required in most states. Recommended limits are:
- $100,000 bodily injury per person
- $300,000 bodily injury per accident
- $100,000 property damage
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
These optional coverages pay for damage to your own vehicle from certain causes.
- Collision - covers damage to your car from a collision with another car or object. You choose a deductible amount.
- Comprehensive - covers non-collision damage from weather, fire, theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, etc. Also has a deductible.
Medical Payments/PIP Coverage
- Medical payments - covers medical bills for you/passengers injured in an accident, no-fault.
- PIP - Similar to medical payments but may also cover lost wages, household expenses, etc.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Provides coverage if you're hit by a driver with no or too little insurance. Covers injuries to you and sometimes vehicle damage.
Policy Exclusions and Limitations
It's critical to understand what your auto policy does not cover in addition to what it does cover.
Common Exclusions
Most policies exclude coverage for certain situations, including:
- Intentional damage - damage you cause intentionally to other people or property.
- Racing - accidents that occur during racing, speed contests, or test drives.
- Commercial use - using your vehicle for business purposes like delivery or ridesharing.
- Mechanical failures - damage from worn out parts, lack of maintenance, etc.
Policy Limits
Your policy's liability limits cap the amount the insurer must pay per accident:
- $25,000 per injured person
- $50,000 per accident
- $10,000 for property damage
If damages exceed these limits, you pay the additional amount. Consider higher limits to better protect assets.
Policy Conditions
Conditions listed in your policy must be met for coverage to apply. For example:
- Reporting accidents promptly
- Notifying the insurer of changes to your policy
- Paying premiums on time
- Cooperating with claims investigations
Breaching certain conditions can allow the insurer to deny a claim. Know the conditions to avoid coverage gaps.
Named Driver Exclusions
Specific high-risk drivers like teens can be excluded from your policy. If they drive your car, losses won't be covered.
Discuss exclusions with your agent and shop for additional coverage if needed. Bundling renters or umbrella policies can provide extra protection.
Assessing Your Insurance Needs
It's important to review your coverage regularly and after major life events to ensure you have adequate protection.
Evaluate Coverage Levels
- Consider state minimum liability limits vs. recommended limits. Higher limits better protect assets but cost more.
- Do you need collision/comprehensive coverage based on your car's value?
- Do you need additional coverages like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance?
Check Your Credit Report/Score
Insurers use credit data to set premiums in most states. Errors can increase your rate, so review your:
- Credit reports - Get free annual reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Dispute errors.
- Credit scores - Many sites like Credit Karma offer free scores. Maintain good credit.
Shop Around for Quotes
Rates vary between insurers based on their risk analysis. Compare quotes every 1-2 years from:
- National companies like GEICO, Allstate, State Farm
- Local independent agencies
- Online insurance marketplaces like The Zebra
Consider bundling home/auto policies with the same provider for multi-policy discounts.
Review Any Changes
Notify your insurer if:
- You buy/sell a car, change drivers, or move
- You add aftermarket parts, modifications or rideshare driving
- Your driving habits change - more/less miles driven annually
Discuss Gaps with an Agent
Consult a licensed insurance agent if you have questions or feel underinsured. They can review your policy and recommend additional coverages or limits if needed. An hour of expert advice can save thousands long-term.
Key Takeaways
Read and Understand Your Policy
- Don't just glance at the declaration page. Read the full policy to understand coverages, exclusions, limits, conditions, etc.
- Use the definitions section - know the specific meaning of key words.
- Re-read after any changes to your policy, vehicle, drivers, etc.
Know What's Covered and What's Not
- Understand exactly what each portion of your policy covers and does not cover.
- Pay attention to exclusions - some are quite broad. Intentional damage is commonly excluded.
- Additional coverages or an umbrella policy can fill gaps if you find holes.
Choose Adequate Limits
- Consider going above state minimum liability limits to better protect assets. Higher limits are affordable.
- Make sure property damage coverage could cover a new car if you were at-fault.
- Medical payments help cover bills for you/passengers regardless of fault.
Adjust Coverage as Needs Change
- Increase liability limits as your income and assets grow over time.
- Reduce collision/comprehensive when your car's value decreases.
- Add endorsements if you buy a classic car, modify vehicles, etc.
Shop Around Regularly
- Insurers use different formulas to calculate risk, so quotes vary.
- Compare quotes from national carriers, local agencies and online marketplaces.
- Consider bundling home and auto policies with the same provider.
Ask Questions and Utilize Agents
- Turn to licensed agents if you don't understand parts of your policy.
- Have an agent review your coverages and limits annually. Adjust if needed.
- Agents can explain policy differences if comparing quotes.
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