What Is Basic Coverage for Auto Insurance?
You can buy many different types ofcar insurance policies. However, most basic car insuranceincludes liability protection. In fact, most states require a certain limit for these policies. They may also want you to have uninsured/underinsured protection and comprehensive coverage. To make sure you get full protection, you’ll want to talk with your insurance provider.
6 Basic Car Insurance Coverages
All state car insurancerequirements are different, including the minimum amounts needed for coverage. This means the price of your car insurance will vary, depending:
- Where you live
- If you choose extra protection
- Which insurance company you work with
Generally, the six basic car insurance coverages you’ll need are:
1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage
Bodily injury liability insurancecan help pay legal expenses if you cause an accident that injures another person. So, if you rear end another car and their passengers need to go to the hospital, this policy can help pay for their medical expenses. It can also help pay for lost wages if they can’t go back to work from an injury in the auto accident.
2. Property Damage Liability Coverage
Property damage liability insurancecan help pay to repair or replace damaged property after a car accident. For example, it can help pay to repair:
- Houses
- Vehicles
- Offices
3. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage
Medical payments coveragecan help pay for medical expenses for you, your passengers and your family members after a car accident, including:
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Funeral costs
- Dental care
Keep in mind that this coverage isn’t available in every state. You may also want to get personal injury protection (PIP) to help pay for your medical expenses after a car collision. This insurance can help regardless of who is at fault for the accident.
4. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coveragecan help pay for damages to your vehicle that are out of your control, like:
- Fire
- Wind
- Hail
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Hitting a deer
5. Collision Coverage
Collision coveragepays for damages to your car if you’re in an accident with:
- Another vehicle
- Another object like a guardrail or embankment
- Only your automobile like a rollover
6. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for injuries to you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver that doesn’t have enough coverage or insurance. There are two types of this coverage:
- Uninsured motorist property damage, which covers damage to your car if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance. It also covers hit-and-run incidents.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury, for help paying the cost of you and your passengers medical expenses if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
- Underinsured motorist, for help paying the cost if you’re in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have enough insurance.
To file an underinsured motorist claim, call us at 800-243-5860 today.
Get a Quote for Basic Auto Insurance
To learn more about the AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford,1 get a car insurance quote today. You can also talk with The Hartford’s representatives 888-413-8970. They’ll be able to help you find the coverages you need at the right price.
Last Updated: September 21, 2023
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