Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Car owners are advised to have an auto insurance policy in place to protect them from claims for damages should a vehicular accident occur for which they are held responsible. While there are several coverage options that you can consider for your policy, there is one type of coverage that is a legal requirement in California, and that is a liability. In other words, liability coverage in your policy is non-negotiable.
When it comes to determining what the best auto insurance is for you, it all depends on what you want your policy to cover. To give you an idea of the types of coverage that you can consider—and ultimately include in your policy—we have rounded up those that are most commonly chosen by car owners/drivers:
Comprehensive Coverage. This covers damages to your car resulting from theft or vandalism, weather conditions, fire, animals, falling objects, and civil commotion.
Tip: Installing an anti-theft device or tracking system can significantly lower your coverage premium.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This coverage is not available in all states. but is optional in California. Even if it is not a mandatory requirement, though, car owners are strongly advised that they include it in their policy. It covers medical bills of the car owner and his passengers should they be involved in a car accident, regardless of who was at fault. Liability coverage has limits to car accident payouts, and if you have this coverage, the insurer can cover the excess cost. Additionally, this can also cover lost wages if you were unable to return to work immediately following the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage. If you were involved in a car accident through no fault of your own and the other party has limited or no insurance coverage, this insurance option can pay for the damages you have suffered up to the limit of your policy. This is also highly recommended as an added layer of protection.
We advise you to discuss your options with an insurance expert to help you determine and decide which ones will give you the best auto insurance coverage.