Car Insurance Fundamentals

Learn the fundamentals of car insurance including the difference between liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages, personal injury protection (PIP), medical coverage, and more

Driver in car

Very Cheap Car Insurance with No Deposit

A reputable car insurance company won't sell a policy without a deposit. However, you can get it with a low down payment.

car key and beer

Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Ohio

Ohio drivers find the cheapest quotes for SR-22 insurance with Progressive, which charges an average $136 a month.

bad credit

How Can I Get the Best Cheap Car Insurance With Bad Credit?

Our study found that Concord and American Family are among the cheapest options for car insurance for drivers with poor credit.

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What If I Can't Afford Car Insurance?

Can’t afford auto insurance? Here’s how to lower your premiums and also keep the coverage your state requires.

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New Jersey Personal Injury Protection Coverage

If you're a New Jersey driver, you'll need personal injury protection. We'll explain what this type of car insurance covers and how it works.

Driver with rideshare insurance coverage

Rideshare Insurance: A Complete Guide for Drivers

Rideshare drivers aren't covered under standard car insurance. We'll explain the rideshare insurance you need.

Panel holding up score numbers

What Is an Auto Insurance Score?

To get your best car insurance rate, you need a good insurance score. Here’s what that means and how to raise your score.

What Is Comprehensive Car Insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle from nearly any cause other than a collision. Here’s when and why you should get it.

Hurt driver showing discomfort

What is Bodily Injury Liability Car Insurance Coverage?

Bodily injury insurance helps cover damages and injuries to others if you cause a collision. We break it down here.

What Does No-Fault Car Insurance Do?

Does your state require no-fault insurance? Find out here what it does and how it works.

How Does A Car Insurance Deductible Work?

Car insurance deductibles are the amounts you pay for certain types of incidents. Here's a look at how they work and how to choose them.

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Cheapest SR-22 Car Insurance Rates

You may need to file an SR-22 after a serious driving infraction. This can increase your car insurance rates.

car with auto badge

Why is Collateral Protection Insurance Forced After a Car Loan?

What is CPI and how does it work? This article covers lender-placed and forced auto insurance.

Whose Insurance Do I Call After My Car Is Hit?

Your car insurance company is your go-to after someone hits your vehicle. We can help you understand the process.

subrogation for car accident claims

What is Subrogation for Car Insurance Accident Claims?

In this article, we explain what subrogation means, how subrogation works, how long subrogation takes and more.

Liability vs. Full-Coverage Car Insurance

Liability insurance is required by law in most states. Full coverage provides more protection. Here's why the differences between them matter.

What is Proof of Car Insurance?

You are required to carry proof of insurance when driving. We'll explain what it is, how it works and where to get it.

collector cars

Collector Car Insurance and How It Works

Classic, vintage and antique cars need different car insurance than your day-to-day ride. Read on to learn the difference.

Keys and card on paperwork

How to Get Short-Term Car Insurance

Although car insurance is not offered for temporary needs, these alternatives to full-term policies can save you money.

driver with non-owner car insurance

What is Non-Owner Car Insurance?

Non-owner car insurance is there for drivers who don't own a car but still need auto insurance coverage.

umbrella insurance policy

What Is Umbrella Insurance? Do I Need It?

Umbrella insurance helps cover your liability costs for damages that go past your policy limits. We'll explain how it works.

Happy driver in new car

Where Can I Get Same-Day Car Insurance?

Need coverage now? Same-day car insurance is available through many providers. We'll help you find the best policy.

gap auto insurance coverage

What Is Gap Insurance and How Does it Work?

If your car is totaled or stolen, gap insurance covers the cost difference between what you owe and what it's worth.

State-Required Minimum Car Insurance

Most states require car insurance to drive legally. Here are the coverages you need and how much you should get.

Do I Need Rental Car Insurance?

You'll need insurance if you rent a car. We'll explain the differences between your car insurance and rental car insurance.

6 Types of Car Insurance

Understanding how the different types of car insurance work is essential to making sure you get the right coverage.

personal injuries protection claim paper

What is Personal Injury Protection (PIP)?

PIP insurance covers injuries to you and your passengers in a car accident, regardless of fault. Here's how it works.

What Does Car Insurance Cover?

Auto insurance coverage depends on your specific policy, and can help you recover physically and financially after an accident.

Third party insurance documents

What is Third-Party Car Insurance?

Learn about what third-party liability insurance covers, like bodily injury and property damage.

Annapolis, Maryland

Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF)

The Maryland Auto Insurance Fund helps drivers who cannot otherwise get car insurance. We'll explain how it works.

car accident

How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

Car insurance rates go up 42% after an accident, on average, though how much yours go up depends on several factors.

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage?

Car insurance covers hail damage if your policy has comprehensive coverage. Should you file a claim for it? Find out here.

claims file

What Are Diminished Value Claims?

Your car's value will often decrease after an accident. Learn how to recoup costs with a diminished value claim.

Cars waiting at border

Car Insurance for Driving in Mexico

American auto insurance does not cover you in Mexico. Here's how to get Mexican insurance, and how much it costs.

Father helping teen driver

Adding a Driver to Your Car Insurance

Adding someone else to your car insurance is a pretty simple process. We'll explain how it works and how to do it.

Can You Get Car Insurance With a Learner's Permit?

You are able to purchase a car insurance policy with a driver learner's permit, but there can be some conditions.

car accident and tow truck

Borrowed Car in Accident: Whose Insurance Pays?

What happens if someone borrows your car and gets into an accident? The short answer is your car insurance pays.

Can You Drive Without Insurance?

Driving without car insurance is dangerous at best and illegal at worst. Learn here what the perils and consequences may be.

Houston skyline

What is the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA)?

High-risk drivers in Texas can use the Texas Automobile Insurance Plan Association (TAIPA) to get state minimum insurance coverage.

Contract with magnifying glass

What Is an Insurance Binder?

An insurance binder provides temporary proof of insurance until an actual insurance policy is in hand.

What Does My Car Insurance Policy Number Do?

Your policy number is the unique thumbprint for your car insurance policy. We explain what it does and why you need it.

car, clipboard, magnifying glass

How to Get Low-Income Car Insurance

If you’re looking for low income car insurance, government programs, discounts and less coverage can help drive your car insurance premiums down.

Man searching through documents

What is a Car Insurance Declaration Page?

Your declaration page summarizes the key points of your auto insurance policy. Keep it in an easy-to-find place.

Nashville skyline

SR-22 Insurance in Tennessee

You may need SR-22 insurance in Tennessee after your driver’s license is suspended. Here’s where you can get it, how much it’ll cost you, and more.

Man signing car insurance policy

Key Car Insurance Terms You Need to Know

If you want to understand car insurance quotes and pay the lowest rates for auto coverage, get to know these words.

totaled car on side of road

A Guide to Accident Forgiveness: What Is It? Is It Worth It?

Accident forgiveness can help keep your rates low after a car accident. Here's who qualifies for it and what you need to know.

cars in highway traffic with uninsured drivers

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for medical and repair bills resulting from an accident with an insufficiently insured driver.

Woman handing rental car keys

How to Get a Rental Car from an Insurance Accident Claim

Depending on who was at fault, there are several possibilities for who pays for a rental car after an accident.

Health insurance form pen and money

What Is Medical Payments Coverage? A Complete Guide

Medical payments coverage reimburses you for medical bills and funeral costs after a car accident.

Person points at car and insurance

Can You Negotiate Your Settlement After a Car Accident?

Not happy with your auto insurer's offer after filing a claim? There are steps you can take to get a better payout.

upset man after car crash

Can Car Insurance Companies Deny Coverage?

A car insurance company can deny you coverage for getting into accidents, having a DUI on your record and more. Car insurance companies can also cancel or not renew your policy for similar reasons.

Accident with woman on the phone

How Much Time Do You Have to Make a Claim After a Car Accident?

The time limit to file a claim depends on your insurer and the state you live in. The quicker you file it, the better.

umbrella and car

The 10 Largest Car Insurance Companies

Find out which car insurance companies are the largest in the market (and why it matters).

odometer

Is Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance Worth it?

Pay-per-mile car insurance is a policy that can help you save money if you don’t drive much.

buying car insurance for first time

How To Get Car Insurance For the First Time

The details you need to get your first car insurance policy, including how to shop and the questions you'll be asked.

Woman in car pulled over

What Happens if You’re in a Car Accident with No Insurance?

Getting into a car accident without insurance can be extremely expensive. Brace yourself for what you need to know.

Cars parked in front of garage

Stacked vs. Unstacked Car Insurance

Stacking your car insurance can be an easy way to bump up your protection from the uninsured and underinsured.

Car owner observing damage

Does Car Insurance Cover Vandalism if Someone Keyed My Car?

If your car gets keyed, it's considered vandalism and is covered by comprehensive insurance. We'll explain how it works.

Man handling documents

What Do Insurance Underwriters Do?

An insurance underwriter figures out if you're eligible for coverage and what you will pay for it. We'll explain the job to you.

Is Your Child Covered Under Your Auto Insurance?

It's usually better to add your child to your car insurance than it is for them to get their own policy. Here's why.

What Is Collision Car Insurance? Should I Get It?

Collision insurance is optional auto coverage that pays to fix your car. Here's how it works and when you should get it.

Saleswoman handing out keys

Do I Need to Have Auto Insurance When I Buy a Car?

You will not be able to drive a car you buy off the lot without auto insurance, but we can help you get covered.

Man looks at papers in car

Do You Need Insurance to Register a Car?

In most states, you need insurance to register a car. Here are more reasons to insure your car before you register it.

Family moving to new state

Car Insurance and Moving to a New State

You need to get a new car insurance policy when you move to a new state. Here are tips to streamline the process.

Car driving away from accident

Are Hit-and-Runs Covered by Car Insurance?

Hit-and-runs aren't covered by liability insurance, but there are other forms of coverage that help. We'll go over them.

Ambulance rushing on highway

Does Auto Insurance Cover Ambulance Rides?

Ambulance rides are expensive. Insurance often covers them, but not always—and not always fully.

How Does Car Insurance Work?

Most states require drivers to carry auto insurance. A policy has many parts that we can help you understand.

Woman handing check

What Is a Loss Payee?

An entity with a financial stake in your vehicle will usually require you to list it as a loss payee on your car insurance.

How to Cancel a Car Insurance Policy

The top things to know about canceling your car insurance to switch carriers, move or sell your car, or any other reason.

Can You Get Car Insurance Without a License?

Listing yourself as an excluded driver is one way to get car insurance without a license. See if you qualify.

Basic Car Insurance: How it Works and What it Covers

A basic car insurance policy comes with liability coverage and satisfies minimum legal insurance requirements.

Broken car on the side of the road

What Is Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) and What Does it Cover?

Mechanical breakdown insurance covers mechanical failures unrelated to a car accident or wear and tear.

Couple discusses taxes

Is Auto Insurance Tax Deductible?

You can write off your car insurance premium and deductible in certain situations. Here’s when and how you can do it.