As a responsible driver, you should understand what coverages you are required to carry and what optional coverages are available in order to protect yourself from an unforeseen event and minimize the financial stress of unfortunate circumstances.

Various auto insurance options include:

• Bodily Injury and Property Damage to Others resulting from an accident in which the insured is at fault.
• Medical Insurance for the driver and passengers in an insured vehicle that incur medical expenses as a result of a covered accident regardless of fault.
• Bodily Injury and Property Damage Caused by other Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist during an accident in which you were not at fault or a hit-and-run incident.
• Collision Coverage insures the policyholder from loss during a collision with another vehicle or object.
• Comprehensive Coverage is protection for the insured vehicle from damage and loss resulting from incidents other than collision.
• Roadside Service for towing and other roadside assistance.
• Rental Reimbursement for the expense of a rental car when an insured vehicle is disabled due to a covered loss.

Additional coverages or options:

• New vehicle replacement
• First accident forgiveness
• Disappearing deductibles
• Auto loan/Lease Gap coverage
• Non-owned vehicle coverage
• Original parts replacement

What factors affect auto insurance rates?

• Garaging address – county and zip code statistics
• Drivers – age, driving records (3-6 year history), claims (3-5 year history), credit quality
• Vehicles – type, age, safety features, likelihood of theft, replacement value, purchase price
• Usage – assigned driver, occupation, mileage driven to work and how often, annual mileage
• Coverages – limits, deductibles, prior carrier (length of time with and limits)
• Payment plans – paid in full, monthly installments, drafts
• Multi-policy discounts – having more than one policy with the agency and/or carrier.
• Some factors are impersonal and carrier related.