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What's the best auto insurance for your car?Choosing an insurance depends on your needs and your budget. The same can be said for choosing your car insurance. There are a lot of factors involved with car insurance, such as, where you live ,what cars you own , where you have other insurance, how old you are, etc. As you search for the best auto insurance for your family, use these five key strategies for comparing insurance providers.
1. Compare coverage options.
2. Ask about discounts.
3. Find the best car insurance perks.
4. Spot ways to reduce costs down the line.
5. Read consumer reviews.
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Glosary
Liability insuranceLiability insurance is a part of the general insurance system of risk financing to protect the purchaser (the "insured") from the risks of liabilities imposed by lawsuits and similar claims. It protects the insured in the event he or she is sued for claims that come within the coverage of the insurance policy. Originally, individuals or companies that faced a common peril, formed a group and created a self-help fund out of which to pay compensation should any member incur loss (in other words, a mutual insurance arrangement). The modern system relies on dedicated carriers, usually for-profit, to offer protection against specified perils in consideration of a premium. Liability insurance is designed to offer specific protection against third party insurance claims, i.e., payment is not typically made to the insured, but rather to someone suffering loss who is not a party to the insurance contract. In general, damage caused intentionally as well as contractual liability are not covered under liability insurance policies. When a claim is made, the insurance carrier has the duty (and right) to defend the insured. The legal costs of a defense normally do not affect policy limits unless the policy expressly states otherwise; this default rule is useful because defense costs tend to soar when cases go to trial.
Full coverage auto insuranceThe definition of full coverage auto insurance can vary from agency to agency and from state to state. Some companies define full coverage insurance as the minimum required to legally drive in the state, while others refer to minimum coverage as liability insurance. In most cases, however, full coverage insurance is defined a having physical damage coverage. In this case, full coverage insurance will include both collision and comprehensive coverage.
Personal injuryPersonal Injury Protection (PIP) is an extension of car insurance available in some U.S. states that covers medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages. PIP is sometimes referred to as "no-fault" coverage, because the statutes enacting it are generally known as no-fault laws, and PIP is designed to be paid without regard to "fault," or more properly, legal liability. PIP is also called "no-fault" because, by definition, a claimant's, or insured's, insurance premium should not increase due to a PIP claim.
Bodily Injury Liability InsuranceIf you cause an accident that injures other people, your Bodily Injury Liability insurance will pay the amount you are legally obligated to pay for those injuries and related costs, which can include:
Hospital and medical bills
Rehabilitation
Long-term nursing care
Funeral expenses
Lost earnings
Pain and suffering
Other damages
As part of your Liability Insurance, Bodily Injury coverage not only protects you from paying for these expenses out of pocket, but also pays for your legal defense if you are sued as a result of your involvement in an accident.
ComprenhensiveComprehensive Insurance Coverage is insurance coverage that helps pay for losses to an insured car due to fire, theft, or other losses that are not the result of a collision as stated in the insured's policy. An insurance deductible can apply depending on the insured's requests at the start of the policy. In most states this is an optional coverage and is not usually a required coverage. (note: Colliding with an animal falls under comprehensive insurance coverage)
CollisionA type of auto insurance coverage. Collision Insurance will reimburse the insured for any damage sustained to their personal automobile that is due to the fault of the insured driver. This type of insurance is often added as an extension of a basic policy.
Security Tips
Don’t drive tired Make sure you’re well rested and alert for your journey
Avoid driving distractedPut down the cell phone, food, hairbrush and makeup. Avoid adjusting the radio, heater/air conditioner. Stay focused on the road ahead instead of the scenic view and any accidents that might be on the side of the road.
Follow the driving laws Buckle up, maintain a safe distance from other cars, stay out of the passing lane if you’re not passing another vehicle, etc.
Never operate a vehicle while impairedAn auto should never be operated if you drink alcohol or take drugs. Once they're consumed, alcohol or drugs immediately impair your judgment, reaction time slows, and emotions and behavior become exaggerated. If you operate a motor vehicle while impaired, you jeopardize not only your life, but also the lives of others.
Be patient and considerate to other drivers It's important to treat other drivers as you would want to be treated. Aggressive driving, following too close and using high beams improperly are all examples of actions that can lead to serious accidents.
Keep your doors locked and windows rolled up, and take your keys with youDon’t make it easy for thieves to steal your car or the items in it.