What does auto insurance do?
Auto insurance is a contract between you and an insurer. In exchange for premium payments, the policy can provide financial protection for covered losses according to its terms, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and applicable state law.
Common coverage types
Bodily injury and property damage liability
Liability coverage generally helps protect you financially when you are legally responsible for a covered accident. Required limits and coverage rules vary by state.
Collision coverage
Collision generally applies to covered physical damage to your own vehicle caused by a crash with another vehicle or object. A deductible usually applies.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive generally addresses certain covered losses that are not collisions, such as theft, hail, vandalism, falling objects, or some animal-related damage. Exact definitions vary by policy.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
This coverage can help in certain situations when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient insurance. Availability and requirements vary by state.
Medical payments or personal injury protection
Depending on your state and policy, medical-payments coverage or personal injury protection may help with eligible medical expenses after an auto accident.
How to compare car insurance options
- Use the same coverage limits. A cheaper quote is not necessarily better if it provides less protection.
- Match deductibles. Compare the same collision and comprehensive deductibles where possible.
- Check optional coverage. Rental reimbursement, roadside assistance and other add-ons can change the price.
- Review exclusions and conditions. The details in the actual policy matter more than a marketing summary.
- Consider service as well as price. Claims handling, complaint information and financial-strength information can also matter.
Ready to Compare?
We are preparing integrations with independent insurance marketplaces. Until a partner is live, use our guides to get your coverage information ready.
Read Insurance GuidesNo live quote is provided on this page at this time.
What information should you have ready?
- Driver names and basic driver information
- Vehicle year, make, model and usage
- Approximate annual mileage
- Current coverage information, if applicable
- Desired liability limits and deductibles
- Household drivers who may need to be listed
What can affect the price?
Pricing is individualized. Depending on the insurer and state, factors may include driving history, location, vehicle characteristics, mileage, selected coverage, deductibles, prior insurance history, and other factors permitted by law. Different insurers can evaluate the same information differently.
Frequently asked questions
What does “full coverage” mean?
“Full coverage” is not a standardized policy name. It commonly refers to liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage, but actual policies vary.
Should I choose the lowest quote?
Price matters, but compare the same limits, deductibles, exclusions and optional coverages before deciding.
Can All Peoples Insurance sell me a policy?
No. We provide educational information and may later connect users with independent third-party marketplaces.
Insurance rules and policy terms vary by state and insurer. Verify requirements and final coverage directly with an insurer, licensed agent, or your state insurance regulator.