Liability
Pays for injuries or damage you cause to other people and their property. Most states require a minimum. Higher limits can protect more of your finances after a serious accident.
Start here
The coverages you'll see most
Collision
Helps pay to repair or replace your own vehicle after a covered crash, minus your deductible. Lenders and lessors often require it.
Comprehensive
Covers certain non-crash losses to your vehicle, such as theft, hail, fire, falling objects, or hitting an animal, subject to your deductible and policy terms.
Uninsured / underinsured motorist
Can help if the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough. Availability and rules differ by state.
Medical payments / PIP
May help with medical costs for you and your passengers after a crash, whoever is at fault, depending on your state and the option you pick.
Add-ons
Roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, gap coverage, and similar extras. Handy for some drivers and unnecessary for others.
Limits and deductibles
Two numbers worth understanding
Limits are the most an insurer will generally pay for a covered loss. Liability limits are often written as three numbers, such as 50/100/50: per-person injury, per-accident injury, and property damage.
Deductibles are what you pay before collision or comprehensive coverage helps. A higher deductible usually lowers the premium but means more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Neither number is "right" for everyone. It depends on your vehicle, your savings, and how much risk you're comfortable with.
Price factors
Why two drivers can pay different amounts
Insurers set prices using their own formulas. These are common factors, not a promise of how any company will price you.
The vehicle
Make, model, age, safety features, repair costs, and theft rates all play a role.
The driving record
Accidents, tickets, and lapses in coverage can push prices up with many insurers.
Where it lives
ZIP code, traffic, weather, theft, and claim rates vary a lot from one area to the next.
How it's used
Yearly mileage, commuting versus weekend driving, and who else drives it can all matter.
Coverage choices
Higher limits and lower deductibles generally cost more. Lower limits and higher deductibles generally cost less, with more risk falling on you.
Other rating factors
Depending on your state, insurers may also consider age, driving experience, or a credit-based insurance score. Some states restrict these.
Renewal time?
A cost checklist
- Gather your current policy's declarations page so you can match limits and deductibles
- List every driver and vehicle, and how you use them
- Ask which optional coverages are included in your current price
- Ask which discounts are available and what you need to qualify
- Ask about the insurer's claims process and any fees
- Confirm any agent or company you deal with is authorized to sell in your state
- Read the full policy before you buy, and ask about anything unclear
Good questions for an agent or insurer
About the policy
- What are the liability limits and deductibles on my policy?
- What is excluded?
- Is the price for a 6-month or 12-month term?
About the company
- How are claims reported and handled?
- What could change my price at renewal?
- Which discounts are available and what do I need to qualify?
Ready to take a closer look at your auto policy?
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