Vehicle insurance is insurance specifically for automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, and several other road-going vehicles. Its main function is to offer financial protection against bodily injury or physical damage resulting from road accidents and against liability that can also arise in a car. This insurance not only covers the insured car against damage, theft, fire, accidents, etc. but also protects against the insurance company’s possible negligence in its performance of its duties.
Basically, this means that the policy protects the insured car owner (the one who has purchased the car) against the costs he will be required to pay if an accident occurs. This is considered the minimum coverage by many states and the amount of protection will vary from one insurance company to another.
An important question one might ask is whether liability insurance may help his car in the event of a crash. In fact, most states require the insured to buy this particular type of protection to protect him from possible financial burdens resulting from property damage and personal injury damages, which can result from accidents occurring on the road.
It can help in taking care of the car’s regular repairs and replacements, in addition to compensating for the medical expenses of the involved parties. Liability coverage can also save a person from huge legal fees that might be incurred in case of a lawsuit against him in the event of an accident.
However, Liability insurance may not fully protect the owner in the event of an accident, especially when it involves another vehicle. This is because the insurance company will not shoulder the cost of damages to the other vehicle in case the accident happens due to the negligence or wrongdoing of the driver of another vehicle. This coverage is usually referred to as “contingent liability” coverage. This means that the insurance company may have the right to sue the driver in order to settle the claim and recover the damages.
Car insurance is divided into three different types, the first being general insurance. In this form of insurance, the policyholder will be covered for any accidents that may occur during his driving time. These policies normally cover traffic mishaps and the damages caused by the car to other cars and other properties.
General car insurance policies do not usually cover the damages caused by vandalism or acts of nature. The second type is the “peril” insurance, which provides coverage for incidents like robbery, terrorism, earthquake, flood, theft, vandalism, and acts of God.
Personal auto insurance policies are another common type of coverage for car owners. This type of insurance covers both the car itself and the car owners as a whole. Personal automobile insurance policies come with a wide range of coverage, depending on the policyholder’s needs.
Some basic coverage includes physical injury or death expenses, bodily and property damage coverage, and the payment of premiums or deductibles, if applicable. The policyholder may also choose to include coverage for various medical and rehabilitation services that he or she will provide to other vehicle owners who meet with an accident, as long as the services are within the scope of the policy.
The third type is the “combined property damage” or CPD coverage. This is a comprehensive form of the insurance policy. It covers both the vehicle and the person or property involved in an accident. Usually, this type of insurance policy requires the vehicle owner to have liability coverage as well as collision coverage. It is important to note that the CPD coverage does not have a limit on the coverage for the policyholder or the vehicle owner. For this reason, it is a good idea to confirm with your agent or company the total amount of coverage that you will need to carry in the event of a collision.
In addition to these three major types of vehicle insurance, there are also various forms of coverage that you can get. For example, Comprehensive car insurance provides coverage for damages caused by collision, fire, theft, vandalism, weather, and impact with an animal. This comprehensive coverage is very important, especially if the vehicle in question has an outstanding loan or balance owing on the vehicle.
Having car insurance is mandatory in many states. Suppose you’re at fault in an automobile accident. In that case, your auto liability coverage on your car insurance will help cover uninsured losses, including the other party’s damaged car or property which results from the accident and covered medical expenses.
In the event of an accident that doesn’t involve you, your policy covers the costs for both parties. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your policy reviewed periodically, especially when you have made some changes that could increase your premiums. Your current insurance company is likely able to provide you with a quote for your new or updated policy.
As a driver, it is also important to bear in mind that uninsured motorist coverage provides coverage for damage incurred by you or someone else in an accident with another driver. This coverage may not be included in your auto insurance company’s standard coverage packages. Uninsured motorist coverage differs from state to state. Be sure to check the laws and requirements of the state in which you live.
