For many, Labor Day in the United States is about recognizing the contributions of the American labor movement to society and the workers who keep it running. For many businesses, it’s also a day about slashing prices. You probably have seen plenty of advertisements about low, low prices coming to where you live on Labor Day weekend.
Deals on cars are especially popular. Whether you’re a first-time car buyer or getting a new one, you need a car insurance policy. Now is the right time to learn about the coverage provided by your insurance policy if this is your first car, or refamiliarize yourself with your coverage if you have previously owned one.
When it comes to picking the right auto insurance policy, you should speak with your independent insurance agent about what kind of coverage is required in your state. For instance, New Hampshire doesn’t require drivers to have car insurance, but you’re required to show proof of financial responsibility in cases of accident or injury—one such form of proof is car insurance. Meanwhile, drivers in New York are required to have auto liability coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage at certain minimum limits.
Types of car insurance coverage
These are some of the most common types of coverage you can expect in a car insurance policy.
- Collision coverage—can help pay for damages caused by an accident with an object or vehicle.
- Comprehensive coverage—can cover damages from things such as criminal acts, storms and other natural accidents.
- Liability coverage—has two components: bodily injury liability to pay for another person’s injuries, and property damage liability to pay for damage to other’s property while driving.
- Medical payments coverage—help pay for medical costs for you, passengers and family driving the insured vehicle.
- Personal injury protection—may help pay for medical expenses and other expenses from the accident, like lost income.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage—covers for damages and medical bills caused by drivers without insurance or liability limits are too low.
In conclusion
While these are just some of the most common types of car insurance coverage you’ll need for your new vehicle, you should still talk with your independent insurance agent regarding other exposures you may face. Your car is not only a vehicle, but also an asset too. It deserves to be protected with the right coverage.
Matt McDonough is PIA Northeast's writer, editor and content curator. Matt joined PIA Northeast in September 2023. Before that, he had been an editor for the online entertainment magazine Collider from 2021-23 as a copy editor for its lists section. Matt entered the world of journalism at his alma mater, SUNY New Paltz, writing and reporting for the college's student run newspaper, The New Paltz Oracle. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in English and a minor in Creative Writing in 2020.
