Car insurance
Car insurance, without the jargon.
Your policy is built from separate coverages, each protecting you in a different way. Knowing what each one does helps you carry what fits your situation and avoid surprises at claim time.
Choose your state
Select your state to see its requirements, available coverages and official contacts on this page.
Benefits
What a well-chosen policy does for you.
Car insurance is required in most places for a reason, but the value goes beyond meeting a legal minimum.
Protects your finances
Liability coverage helps pay for injury or damage you cause to others, up to your limits. Claims can be large, so the limit you choose matters.
Repairs or replaces your car
Collision and comprehensive coverage can pay for damage to your own vehicle, subject to your deductible and the policy terms.
Helps when the other driver is not insured
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, where available, can cover your losses when the at-fault driver has none or too little.
Meets lender and state requirements
States set required coverage and limits, and lenders often require more on financed or leased cars. Your policy shows you meet them.
Coverages
The main coverages in plain English.
Which ones you must carry depends on your state, and a lender may add its own requirements.
| Coverage | What it generally pays for |
|---|---|
| Liability | Injury or property damage you cause to other people, up to your policy limits. It does not pay to repair your own car. |
| Collision | Damage to your car from a crash with a vehicle or object, usually after you pay the deductible. |
| Comprehensive | Damage from events other than a crash, such as theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. Policy wording defines what is included. |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Your losses when the at-fault driver has no insurance or too little. Availability and rules vary by state. |
This summary is general. Exact definitions, exclusions and limits are set by your policy and your state. Check your policy documents or your state insurance department.
Limits and deductibles
Two numbers that decide what you actually receive.
Limit
The most your insurer will pay for a covered claim under that coverage. A low limit can leave you responsible for the rest.
Deductible
The amount you pay first on a covered claim for coverages such as collision and comprehensive. A higher deductible can lower the premium but raises what you pay at claim time.
Checklist
Before you buy or renew.
Seven checks that help you compare policies fairly and avoid gaps.
- Confirm your state's requirementsUse your state insurance department as the authority for required coverage and limits.
- Compare the same coverageQuotes are only comparable when limits, deductibles and coverage types match.
- Choose a deductible you could payPick an amount you could cover on short notice, not just the lowest premium.
- Check your lender's rulesFinanced and leased cars often need collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Review named drivers and vehiclesMake sure everyone who regularly drives is listed correctly.
- Read the exclusionsThe exclusions section shows what the policy will not pay for.
- Keep proof of insurance currentCarry or store your current proof as your state requires.
Guides
Go deeper.
Each guide cites its sources and shows what applies in your state.
Questions
Common questions.
Is the same coverage required in every state?
No. Requirements are set by each state and differ in what is required and how much. Select your state above to see what applies.
What does "full coverage" mean?
It is not a standard insurance term. People usually mean liability plus collision and comprehensive, but definitions differ, so ask exactly what is included.
Does a lender require more than the state does?
Often, yes. Lenders and lessors commonly require collision and comprehensive coverage on financed or leased vehicles. Your loan or lease agreement controls.
Will this site show me what my premium will be?
No. Your rate depends on your own details and the insurer's filed rating rules. We do not publish average premiums unless we can state the source, date, geography and method.
Next, look at the place you park it.
Your home is usually a bigger financial exposure than your car. See what a homeowners policy covers and where the common gaps are.