Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides financial protection in the event of an accident, theft, or damage to your vehicle. In exchange for paying a premium, the insurer agrees to cover certain costs associated with these risks. Car insurance policies typically include the following types of coverage:
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Liability Coverage: This covers costs if you are found legally responsible for causing an accident that injures others or damages their property. It includes:
- Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses and legal fees for injuries to others.
- Property Damage Liability: Covers repairs or replacement of other people’s property damaged in an accident.
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Collision Coverage: This pays for damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault.
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Comprehensive Coverage: This covers damage to your car from non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
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Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Also known as no-fault insurance, PIP covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who caused the accident.
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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has insufficient insurance or no insurance at all.
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Medical Payments Coverage: This helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, though it is similar to PIP.