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Even the most cautious motorist might occasionally have a mishap while behind the wheel. And when that happens, it’s important to be able to rely on the insurance coverage in place.
Auto insurance is required by law in almost every state. At the very minimum, drivers need liability coverage to cover injuries to others and damage to others' property.
Penalties vary from state to state, but people who are convicted of driving without insurance might face hundreds of dollars in fines —and in some places, even jail. And even if an uninsured driver isn’t sent to jail, they could have their license suspended and be relegated to paying steep fees to get the suspension lifted. A lapse in coverage could also effect your rates.
Below are some of the most important details to consider when shopping for a new policy. Track your state's insurance requirements and then speak with a AAA Insurance agent to find the right coverage for you and your family.
The amount the driver pays for the policy. The rate depends on factors like driving history, location and how often the car is driven. The fewer crashes and traffic violations on a driver’s record, the lower the premium will be.
The maximum that the insurance company will pay out when someone files a claim. If the damage the driver causes totals more than the policy limit, the driver may be responsible for paying the overage.
The amount the driver pays out of pocket before insurance kicks in. For example, if the driver has a $500 deductible and incurs $1,500 worth of damage, the driver pays $500 (the cost of the deductible), and insurance will cover the other $1,000
The amount of coverage a driver is required to have by the state in which they reside. Amounts vary by state. In North Carolina, for example, one is required to have at least $30,000 worth of bodily injury coverage for each person in a crash, $60,000 for total bodily injury for all people and $25,000 for property damage. In Colorado, the minimum requirements are $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage.
A car crash is a stressful experience, regardless of what type of insurance you carry. But having the right insurance can alleviate that stress a little bit and help you avoid some serious financial and legal pitfalls. Coverage is also typically required if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle. AAA’s Direct Repair Shop Program connects AAA Insurance customers with a trusted network of repair facilities that meet strict quality standards, offer a lifetime workmanship warranty, and provide rental and towing assistance—making accident repairs faster, easier, and worry-free.
Here’s a quick look at various types of car insurance coverage.
Liability coverage pays for injuries a driver causes to other people and for damage the driver causes to other people’s property, but it will not generally cover a driver’s own injuries or damage caused to their own vehicle. Most places in the United States require drivers to have some sort of liability coverage.
Liability coverage typically consists of two components— bodily injury liability and property damage liability
Each state sets its own minimum coverage requirements for both bodily injury and property damage, with most requiring about $15,000 to $30,000 worth of coverage for each person injured and about $10,000 to $25,000 worth of coverage for property damage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for non-collision events including theft, vandalism, windshield damage, fire, accidents with animals, weather, or other acts of nature. For example, if your vehicle is damaged in a windstorm or by a falling branch, comprehensive coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or vehicle replacement.
Collision coverage will help pay for damage your vehicle sustains in a crash, even one in which you are at fault. Like comprehensive coverage, collision coverage is usually required for those who are financing or leasing a vehicle.
Unlike comprehensive coverage, collision will usually only cover damage caused by contact with another car or object. So, if your vehicle is stolen or damaged in a hailstorm or vandalized, it will not be covered under collision.
Most collision policies have a maximum limit equal to that of the actual cash value of the car. If the car is totaled (rendered completely unusable or damaged to the point where the repair costs are more than the car’s value), your insurance will pay you that value minus a deductible
This coverage pays for any injuries caused to the driver and damage to the driver’s property caused by another driver who is either uninsured or lacks the proper amount of coverage.
According to the Insurance Research Council, 12.6% of all drivers in the United States are uninsured.
What that means is that if somebody hits your car, there’s a 1 in 8 chance (12.5%) that the other driver won’t have insurance. In some states, that chance more than doubles. For example, in Mississippi, nearly 29.4% of drivers are uninsured.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage will help cover expenses. And in certain states, this type of insurance will also cover damage and injuries from a hit-and-run.
First and foremost, your driving record. If you have a clean driving record that’s free of crashes and traffic violations, your insurance rates will be more favorable than they would be for a driver with a spotty record. Where you live can also affect your insurance rates. Typically, those who live in rural areas will pay less than those who live in urban areas. The type of vehicle you have, how much it might cost to repair and how much you drive it also factor into determining your rates.
Yes. You’re free to change your insurance and coverages at any time. Some people change insurance after a major event (marriage, moving) or if they want to save money.
Contact your insurer via phone or through their website. An adjuster will work with you to get the claims process started. The contact information for your insurer should be on your insurance cards, which you should carry with you at all times. AAA Insurance customers can file an auto claim online.
If possible, move your car to a safe spot where it’s not impeding traffic and call 911. Exchange contact information with other drivers who may have been involved, making sure to also write down their license plate and insurance information. Try to get contact information from any witnesses as well. If you’re able to, take photos of the scene. And as soon as you get a chance, notify your insurance company. Read our guide on what to do after a car accident.
Even if the crash didn’t appear to cause any damage or injuries, you still want to obtain a police report and contact your insurance company in case a problem arises later on that you suspect was caused by the crash.
Visit AAA Car Insurance for tools to help you find the best coverage. AAA Insurance offers affordable coverage rates, experienced insurance agents and knowledgeable adjusters to help make the claims process as streamlined as possible.
Insurance Disclosure
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
Coverage is subject to all policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limitations. Discounts and savings opportunities subject to eligibility requirements. Subject to underwriting requirements. Prices may vary based on how you buy insurance, subject to availability in your state. AAA Insurance is a collection of AAA branded insurance products, services, and programs made available to qualified members. Personal lines insurance is underwritten by Auto Club Insurance Association (IL Auto, IL Home, MI Home, MN Home), Auto Club Group Insurance Company (IA Auto, IA Home, IN Auto, IN Home, NE Auto, NE Home, WI Auto, WI Home), Auto Club Insurance Company of Florida (FL Package), Auto Club South Insurance Company (FL Auto), MemberSelect Insurance Company (GA Auto, GA Home, MI Auto, MN Auto, TN Auto, TN Home), The Members Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home), and Universal Insurance Company (NC Auto, NC Home, SC Auto, SC Home). Auto and Home Insurance provided by CSAA IG, a AAA Insurer. ©2025 The Auto Club Group. All rights reserved.
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