Most states require you to carry some kind of auto insurance. You are
typically required to provide proof of insurance before you can renew your
vehicle registration or renew your driver's license. While coverage is mandatory,
the amounts and types of coverage vary.
Often, the required minimum coverage may not be enough to adequately
compensate your assets or your earnings. We want to help you understand your
own state requirements and work with you decide what coverage you need.
Here is a list of auto insurance topics you'll want to know about:
Bodily Injury: Covers injury to others when you are at fault.
Collision: Covers damages to your own vehicle. Most collision coverage has a deductible.
Comprehensive: Generally covers damages as a result of fire, theft, storm, etc. Most comprehensive coverage has a deductible.
Deductible: This is the amount you have to pay toward the total bill. For example, if your
deductible on comprehensive coverage is $500 and your car is vandalized, you will have to
pay the first $500 toward the total cost of repairs.
Property Damage: Covers property damage when you are at fault.
PIP: Personal Injury Protection: Covers a wide range of medical expenses you incur as a result
of an accident; this is most common in no-fault states.
Uninsured Motorist: Covers damages to your vehicle if the other driver is not insured.
Towing or Breakdown Insurance: Pays for repairs, towing, car rentals and more when breakdowns
occur. This varies by state, check with your local AMIA representative for more information.
Additional Auto Insurance questions you might have:
Driving your vehicle for business use: This means more than driving to and
from work each day, this is talking about running errands on company time.
It is best to check with your AMIA insurance representative in order to make
sure you have the proper coverage.
Does your insurance cover you if you're driving someone else's vehicle?
This varies from state to state. You will be typically covered with liability only.
Please contact your local AMIA representative to find out exactly what you type
of coverage you will have in this situation.
What if you let someone else use your vehicle, are they covered? If you have given
them permission to use your vehicle then they are usually covered. Please check with
us to verify the type of coverage you presently have.
Will your insurance cover you if you are in a rental car? Should you buy additional
insurance sold by the rental company? If you know ahead of time that you will be in
need of a rental car, say for a vacation or an out-of-town business trip, call your
AMIA representative and discuss the type of coverage you presently have. We will help
you determine whether or not you need additional coverage.
What is the first thing you do when involved in any type of accident, no matter how small?
You should always contact your insurance company to report any damage as soon as it happens.
There are strict rules governing the time limits so it is best to call quickly, even if it
is the middle of the night. Your representative will provide instructions for whatever you
need to do.
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