Every year, more cars travel the highways. As this number goes up, the possibility of accidents also goes up. If you get in a car accident, the auto insurance you own can make a large difference in what happens next. But why do you need insurance and exactly how much should you purchase? Car crashes can result in many different expenses, which your insurance can pay for based on the type of insurance you have purchased. Deciding to drive without insurance could mean you have to repair or replace a stolen or damaged vehicle or pay the cost of all the damage that you may have caused. Liability: Bodily injury and property damage that you are responsible for will be paid for under this type of insurance. It can also cover your legal fees if you are sued. Recommended, more comprehensive levels of liability insurance can be purchased that cover more events than the lower, state-mandated varieties. Personal Injury Protection: Personal injury insurance is required in some states and is optional in others. Sometimes referred to as no-fault coverage, this pays the medical treatment for you or your passengers regardless of who was at fault. Local law typically sets minimum amounts. Medical Payments: Medical payment coverage is available in states that are not considered no-fault; it pays despite who carries responsibility for a crash. It pays for an insured person’s reasonable medical or funeral expenses for bodily injury from a crash. Collision: Damages that occur from a collision will be covered under this type of insurance. Comprehensive: This type of insurance protection takes care of all damages not caused by a collision. This could include hail damage, vandalism, and theft. Uninsured Motorist: Many drivers are breaking the law by driving without purchasing the proper amount of insurance. This type of coverage will cover you if one of these irresponsible drivers hit you. Under-Insured Motorist: Many drivers have liability insurance that can’t pay for all the expenses they are responsible for. This type of insurance protects you from those drivers. Other types of coverage, like car rental, are also available. What you pay for car insurance varies by company and will depend on several factors, such as: * Which policies you select * The make and model of the vehicle you drive * Whether or not you have been in an accident * Your age, sex and marital status * Where you live Some have consider car insurance as a necessary evil, but it is something you will need if you are ever in an accident. Evaluate your needs, do your research , and with the guidance of your insurance agency, make the decision that best suits you. Home Insurance Cary