Liability coverage
Liability coverage generally applies when a covered driver is legally responsible for bodily injury or property damage to others. Required minimums and available limits vary by state and carrier.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage commonly applies to covered damage to your own vehicle resulting from impact with another vehicle or object. A deductible typically applies.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage may address certain non-collision events, including theft, vandalism, weather-related loss, falling objects, glass damage, or animal-related incidents, subject to policy terms.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This coverage may help when an at-fault driver does not have insurance or does not have enough insurance to address a covered loss. Availability and requirements differ by state.
Medical payments and personal injury protection
Depending on the state, policies may offer medical payments coverage, personal injury protection, or other benefits related to medical expenses and certain accident-related costs.
Optional policy features
Rental reimbursement
May help with certain temporary transportation expenses after a covered loss.
Roadside assistance
May include towing, jump starts, lockout assistance, or other roadside services.
Gap-related protection
Separate protection may be relevant when a financed vehicle is worth less than the amount owed. Terms vary widely.
Custom equipment
Drivers with modifications or added equipment should ask how those items are treated under a policy.
Policy details worth reviewing
Coverage limits
Limits describe the maximum amount a policy may pay for a covered loss, subject to policy terms. Different coverages can carry different limits.
Deductibles
Some coverages require the policyholder to pay a stated deductible before coverage applies to a covered claim.
Exclusions
Policies identify circumstances, uses, drivers, property, or events that may not be covered. Exclusions deserve the same attention as coverage descriptions.
Endorsements
Endorsements can add, remove, or modify policy terms. Ask how any optional endorsement changes the base policy.
Questions to ask during a policy review
- Are the liability limits appropriate for my needs and state requirements?
- What deductibles apply to collision and comprehensive claims?
- How are rental vehicles, roadside events, glass damage, and custom equipment handled?
- Which household drivers and vehicles must be listed?
- Are there exclusions or restrictions that could materially affect coverage?