Even if you’re the best driver on Earth, you can’t account for other drivers’ actions. That makes insurance crucial. On top of that, it’s required in most states.
No one expects to find themselves in the middle of a car accident, but each ride on the road is unpredictable. If you’re debating getting an auto policy below are a few reasons why you should consider car insurance.
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1. Legal jeopardy
Every U.S. state except New Hampshire and Virginia requires car insurance. The consequences for going without vary by state but are always unfavorable. You can lose your license, have to pay thousands of dollars in fines, lose your car to impoundment, or face jail time.
Paying for car insurance allows you to evade these penalties and reap additional benefits. People who find themselves wondering, “Why do you need car insurance?” may find these repercussions present a strong argument.
2. Car insurance provides a financial safety net
If you drive without car insurance and get into an auto accident, you must compensate the other driver financially. Not only are you responsible for vehicle property damage and losses like lost wages, but you could also be responsible for medical bills. These out-of-pocket expenses add up in a hurry.
When you submit a claim with your car insurance, you generally have to pay an “out of pocket” deductible before your insurance covers the rest. The insurance payout provides a financial safety net for significant costs.
The average These surprising and unexpected out-of-pocket expenses can bankrupt some people, but with car insurance, you’ll have a financial safety net to help cover them.
3. Hit-and-run coverage
Traffic safety is an ongoing concern, and fatal hit-and-runs have been rising in the decade from 2012 to 2021. If the driver doesn’t stick around to exchange insurance information, the bill falls to you. Car insurance policies may provide hit-and-run coverage that could help cover medical bills or repairs.
Without car insurance, you may be stuck with hospital bills and vehicle damage. Personal injury protection and coverage of property damage will help keep you protected. This conundrum leads to another obvious answer to the common question, “Why do you need car insurance?”
4. Car theft is covered
The National Insurance Crime Bureau says over one million cars were stolen in 2022, a 7% increase from the year before and the first time to reach that level for over a decade.
The out-of-pocket expenses for replacing a stolen car put a considerable financial strain on most people. Comprehensive car insurance coverage replaces a stolen car.
5. Car insurance steps in even if you’re at fault
If an accident is entirely your fault, car insurance still covers the payments. While you may pay a little extra in car insurance premiums after the accident, that rate hike is probably much easier to swallow than what you’d pay out-of-pocket expenses for repairs and other damages.
6. Preserve your credit score
If you don’t pay your car insurance premiums on time, outstanding debt could eventually be sent to a collections agency. To avoid affecting your credit score, you’ll want to pay your car insurance bills. Maintaining a high credit score creates more financial opportunities like lower interest rates on loans, giving you more freedom and flexibility in your large purchases.
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7. Car insurance gets cheaper as you get older
The great thing about car insurance is that it becomes more affordable as you get older. Younger drivers are at greater risk of getting involved in an accident, so their premiums are typically higher. As drivers get older, that risk should decrease, and payments eventually go down.
In addition, car insurance companies often reward customers who practice safe driving. Your monthly payments could dwindle as you continue staying safe on the road. The longer you’ve been practicing safe driving habits, the better your insurance rate could be if this service is offered.
8. Protect your assets
Regardless of your car’s age and mileage, it has value. Whether you trade it into a dealer or resell it, a car is an asset worth protecting. If you owe extensive amounts because of an accident, you may need help. Instead of having to sell off other assets, insurance can help foot the bill.
Car insurance provides various levels of coverage designed to shield you from massive losses and out-of-pocket expenses. Protecting your current vehicle from additional expenses will make it easier to save for the future.
9. Protect the passengers
Not only does car insurance protect you, but it usually protects passengers. As a passenger involved in a car accident, you can file a claim to the insurer of the at-fault driver. Document your lost wages and medical expenses and send them in as part of your claim.
10. Protection from natural disasters
Hurricanes, forest fires, and landslides can destroy your car. These unpredictable natural phenomena can make a big dent in your wallet if you have to pay for replacements with your own money. Car insurance allows you to help evade these out-of-pocket expenses if a natural disaster damages your car.
The number of billion-dollar natural disasters is on the rise, and you don’t want to get caught by surprise. In 2020, for instance, twenty-two individual climate disasters in the United States each caused more than $1 billion in damages.
11. Roadside assistance
Some car insurance policies offer roadside assistance, providing services such as towing, tire changes, or jump-starts in the event of a breakdown or mechanical failure. There are also some companies that offer solely roadside assistance, entirely separate from your overall auto policy.
12. Cover damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers
Although car insurance is required in most states, some drivers choose not to purchase coverage. You can choose for your own insurance policy to include uninsured motorist coverage. That helps you out with damages caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers, ensuring that you are financially protected even if the responsible party lacks sufficient insurance coverage.
13. Cover car rental expenses in case of accidents or repairs
Rental car agencies offer their own insurance policies, but if you have your own car insurance then you might not need it.
Car insurance can provide coverage for rental vehicles, allowing you to rent a car without paying out-of-pocket so you can continue with your daily activities while your own vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
Why Do You Need Car Insurance, and What Level of Coverage is Best?
Car insurance helps you to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses. While no one ever expects to end up in a car accident, you never know when you could find yourself in the middle of one. It’s safer and smarter to hope for the best while still preparing for the worst, and car insurance lets you do just that. Without it, you leave yourself exposed to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Although your auto policy is a necessary expense to help keep yourself and others safe, it’s also a hefty expense that can be a financial strain for some people. The good news is, you can trim it down. Whether you are a high-risk or low-risk driver, find the best insurance tailored to your individual circumstances and needs.
FAQ
Can I drive without insurance?
You should check your state laws or ask a professional to make sure. It is always a good idea to have coverage in case you are ever in an accident or a natural disaster.
What does car insurance cover?
Coverage depends on the policy that you choose. At minimum, your car insurance should cover damage to another person’s property and bodily injury caused to someone else. You can also add coverage that protects against an accident with an uninsured driver, coverage for theft or fire, damage to your own car, medical payments, and personal injury.
Will car insurance cover me if I lend my car to someone else?
There are some exceptions, but in general, if a person borrows your car with your consent, your insurance will apply if that person gets into an accident.
