The type of car insurance you may need depends on your state’s requirements, your lender (if you lease or finance your vehicle), and the level of protection you prefer. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand the most common options:
Liability coverage
This is the minimum coverage required in most U.S. states. It typically includes protection for property damage and bodily injury if you’re found at fault in an accident. Some states also require additional protections like personal injury protection (PIP), medical payments (MedPay), or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Full coverage
Often required by lenders, “full coverage” usually refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Collision helps cover damage from an accident, while comprehensive helps with non-collision events like theft, weather damage, or vandalism.
In addition to these main types, drivers sometimes choose optional coverage for extra peace of mind, such as:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Helps cover medical expenses or vehicle damage if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or not enough coverage.
Gap insurance
Useful for newer or financed vehicles. If your car is totaled and worth less than what you still owe on your loan, gap insurance can help cover the difference.
Road Buddy doesn’t sell insurance or provide personalized coverage recommendations, but we offer general information to help you better understand your options before exploring quotes with licensed providers.