Des Moines Car Insurance
Save big on Des Moines Car Insurance

Full Coverage Auto Insurance

For a first-time car owner, one of the difficult things to sort sometimes is the kind of auto insurance coverage you want. There are plenty of companies out there offering competitive rates and a host of different coverage packages. Standing on opposite ends of coverage spectrum are liability only and full coverage. These are the types of coverage that all other auto insurance plans are based off since they are either some form of liability-based plan or full coverage-based plan. What are the differences between these two extremes?

All car insurance is actually controlled by the individual states with each of the states have their own provisions and guidelines. These regulations include what the minimum amount of legal coverage required. In order to drive legally in every state in the country, you need some form of liability insurance coverage. Of course, the question is this: What is liability insurance? Briefly defined, liability coverage is the level or component of insurance coverage that deals with any damages or injuries where you as a driver were at fault. This includes property damage as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    What is the bare minimum for full coverage auto insurance?
    I live in Idaho. I have not yet payed off the auto loan so I'm required to have full coverage insurance. According to some people I am paying too much (about 700 for 6 months), as they are paying far less. I have geico, but from time to time I look around and get quotes, and it is always slightly higher than what I have now. However, that might be because I am opting for coverage I might not need.

    So the question boils down to, what is the bare minimum requirements for "full coverage" auto insurance in Idaho?

    • ANSWER:
      Victor B has a great answer. All I would add is that you should ask your finance company what exactly they mean by "full coverage." As Victor alluded to, "full coverage" is not any kind of set standard for the insurance industry. It just means liability + comp/collision. But, the sticking point here is that you need to know exactly what your finance company wants to make it "full." The factors here you need to know are:

      A. What does my deductible on comp and collision need to be? (Deductible is how much you pay in the event of an claim before your insurance company begins to pay. Your finance company usually wants your deductible to be LOW, but that means that your premiums are more expensive -- because the lower your premium is, the more the insurance company is going to pay in the event of a claim. Usually, people who are trying to save money try and raise their deductible to something like 00 -- which is basically a gamble. You're gambling that you won't get into an accident and won't ever have to pay it. If you have some wiggle room, go higher on collision and lower on comprehensive. i.e.- 00 on collision, and 0 or 0 on comp. Comp covers things like window breakage, theft of vehicle, hitting a deer, etc, and as such will TEND -- not always, as in the case of theft -- to be smaller claims. Thus, you'd want your deductible to be lower so that insurance kicks in and actually pays something.)

      B. What do my liability limits need to be? (Liability is what the insurance company pays to someone else in the event of an accident. So if you hit someone and injure the driver and total the vehicle, your insurance company pays out of the liability coverage to the other person. You want these numbers to be HIGHER because it will cover more liability, but of course this means your premium will go up. Liability comes in three numbers -- usually, depending on your state it may only be two or one. But if there are three, then the first number represents what your insurance company will pay to EACH PERSON in an accident that you have liability towards. The second number represents the "cap" of what your insurance company would pay in total to other people you have liability towards. And the third number represents damage to property. Thus, a common liability set would be: 50/100/50, meaning your insurance company would pay up to k per person, but no more than 0k to any group of people, and k for property damage. Alternatively, it's possible you may have a simple "single liability" number like 0k, which just means that your company will pay out whatever liability is owed up to 0k. KEEP IN MIND that these numbers represent LIMITS. So, if you have an accident where you cause more damage than the liability provided, YOU will end up being sued by the other parties for the remaining amount of liability. Consider this situation: you fall asleep at the wheel and cross a median, totaling a k Mercedes and badly injuring its driver. Her total medical costs are 0k. If you have 50/100/50, you will end up owing her -- assuming a civil suit against you grants her just the costs and no more -- 0k in medical costs and k for her vehicle. This is because insurance only covered k in medical liability to a single person and k on her property.)

      Being that your finance company is the one who is saying you're required to have full coverage insurance, it's important you ask them what it is they want so that there's no breach of contract if your vehicle is totaled. Generally, finance/purchase contracts require lower liability limits and higher deductibles, while something like a lease is going to require high liability limits and low deductibles.

      If you're concerned about getting lower cost insurance, one tip I have is to consolidate all your insurance into one company and get a multi-line discount. For example: call a major insurer and offer the salesperson to get auto insurance and renters/homeowners insurance, life insurance, etc. all with them and ask what the discount will be. (You should have all these products anyway, so if you can get a better deal than you're already getting on all of these products with one company, then why not do so?)

      Also: remember that your credit and driving record affects your premiums. Get your credit score UP UP UP and stop speeding. Watch your premiums drop :)

  2. QUESTION:
    If I get a general loanfrom Fifth Third Bank, do I have to have full coverage auto insurance?
    I'm looking to buy a 1998 Grand Prix GT for 00 and looking to take out a loan to do it. I'm not getting an auto loan, but instead a general loan. I was wondering if anyone knows if I'll need to have full coverage insurance on the car while I'm repaying the loan? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      If you are using the car as collateral you will have to have full coverage. If you are just taking out an unsecured personal loan then you won't need full coverage. Think about what will happen if the car is totaled will you be able to make the loan payments and afford to purchase new transportation? You might want to but full coverage even if they don't require it while you still have the loan.

  3. QUESTION:
    how should I calculate when to change from full coverage auto insurance to liability only?
    Currently driving 2004 F-150 with 110,000 miles, carrying full coverage insurance. When should I switch to a liability only policy?

    • ANSWER:
      I did on my truck when the extra cost of full coverage plus the deductible was about what they would give me for the truck if it was destroyed. On the other hand, I took full coverage off my motorcycle as soon as I could, on the assumption that if the motorcycle was destroyed in an accident, I would be dead. Mostly, it depends how much risk you can live with.

  4. QUESTION:
    What does full coverage auto insurance cover?
    I have full coverage auto insurance on my vehicle and it was broken into last night, someone jimmied the door open and stole my gps, my watch that was in the glove box and my money order for 5 that was in the overhead console that I was going to pay the rent with this week. Are any of these items typically covered by insurance or am I just out of luck on all 3?

    • ANSWER:
      You're probably out of luck as far as the GPS and watch. Car insurance ordinarily doesn't cover the contents of the car unless you have a rider for valuable equipment. While it might be covered under your homeowners/renters insurance I suspect their value would is less than your deductible. As far as the money order depending on who it was made out to and if you have a receipt you may be able to stop payment.

  5. QUESTION:
    Does full coverage auto insurance usually cover a large tree branch denting your car?
    My husband just called from work to tell me our car has a huge dent in the passenger side. Sure enough, there is a large branch of tree in our drive way.

    Before I call the insurance I wondering if you know this answer to this so I can know what to expect. I am with State Farm and have full coverage.
    By the way, I rent and don't want to burden my landlord with this problem.

    • ANSWER:
      If you have comprehensive coverage, then you will have coverage for this accident. It is subject to whatever deductible you have on the coverage, however. Can I make a suggestion?...

      Don't turn in the claim if you think the damage will fall under your deductible. These days, even when you call you insurance company to make a claim and it ends up that they don't pay you because your deductible is bigger than the damage... the [FAQ-ANSWER] claim can affect your premium... especially if you try to move your coverage to a cheaper company. Most people think that since it is not their fault and nothing was paid, that a claim can't affect you in any way. I am telling you it can and I see it every day. Take your car to get an estimate and if it is lower than your deductible, don't even call the insurance company.

  6. QUESTION:
    How much would full coverage auto insurance be?
    I plan on getting a 2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic and was wondering about how much would full coverage be in Northern Virginia,I would ask the insurance company but I'm not the one with the policy and if you're wondering what insurance we have its Farmers.

    • ANSWER:
      about 150-250

  7. QUESTION:
    How Does Full Coverage Auto Insurance Work?
    How Does Full Coverage Auto Insurance Work?

    • ANSWER:
      Full Coverage Auto Insurance mainly means if your car gets damaged in any way, your insurers will fix it, whatever it happens to it, whoever's fault it is, it will get fixed.

  8. QUESTION:
    Can I get full coverage auto insurance on a car that was once totaled?
    My dad owns a 1992 Firebird that he (supposedly) totaled last year. Here's the story, there was a really bad storm, and his boss demanded that he was not only at his job but on time. So my dad rushed on his way to work, and hydroplaned on a back road that is prone to flooding. He got it towed back to the house and later that day he filed a report to the insurance agency that it was totaled. He got the money for the totaled car, and he used the money to drain the engine, change the oil, put in new spark plugs, get new carpet, etc. The car now runs, but it has 274,000 miles, and the insurance company told him he can never get his full coverage reinstated. I beg to differ, seeing as how I'm going to inherit this car soon, and I want to replace the old worn-out motor anyways, and with a new motor this won't even be the same car.

    So here is my question:
    If I get the engine replaced with a crate engine with 0 miles, do you think that the insurance company will reinstate full coverage?

    • ANSWER:
      The vehicle is still a salvaged vehicle - as it has a salvaged title - regardless of if the engine was replaced. It's up to each insurance companies own discretion if they want to offer full coverage. Again, just because it got a new engine - does NOT change the fact that the vehicle is still a salvaged vehicle and holds a salvaged title - the DMV will not change the fact that it holds a salvaged title.

  9. QUESTION:
    Can my finance company take my car if I don't get full coverage auto insurance?
    I just bought a car and got only the legal minimum insurance which is liability. My finance company is threating to take my car if I don't get full coverage. I don't have full coverage because it's too expensive. They want me to get full coverage because it helps protect them. Can they take my car if I don't get full coverage?

    • ANSWER:
      your insurance company should not have let you get just liability on the car. i don't know if the insurance company can take the car. the insurance company is not just trying to protect themselves, but you also. if you couldn't afford full coverage, then why did you buy a car that needed to be financed?

  10. QUESTION:
    Whats the cheapest way to have full coverage auto insurance?
    Im 19, male, and have been in an accident.. my car insurance is 208 a month.. the car i want will make my payments jump up to 368 a month.. whats the cheapest way to get my car while having full coverage.. like what companies will be the cheapest. i have state farm and a family friend is helping us out.. so what can i do?

    • ANSWER:
      You need to shop around. They all calculate their rates differently so the best company for me might not be the best one for you.

  11. QUESTION:
    what does full coverage auto insurance include?
    is collision and comprehensive required for full coverage? what about "underinsured motorist" insurance? i need to know everything full coverage includes because im buying my first car.

    • ANSWER:
      "Full Coverage" isn't really an insurance term, it is a laymans' term. However, when someone speaks of full coverage they mean the liability coverage that is required by the state and collision and comprehensive coverage that is required by the lender. Everything else is an extra coverage for an extra premium; the uninsured/underinsured, car rental, glass coverage, towing, med payments, and PIP to name a few. Neither the state nor the lender cares if you have any of these other coverages. Do not skimp on the uninsured/underinsured coverage, though. I've seen too many people hurt by not having this coverage.

  12. QUESTION:
    What are typical limits on a full coverage auto insurance policy.?
    I was recently in a mans vehicle when he wrecked, I was pretty seriously injured, and now have a lot of medical bills, and surgery bills. I know that he has a full coverage policy with Geico, because they have contacted me, and told me that. The only thing that they will not tell me is his personal limits. I have found out though that He has a history of accidents, and DUI'S. I do not know if that has any affect on his limits or not. I am just concerened about my bills getting paid, and my reimbursement for my lost time, and pain and suffering.

    • ANSWER:
      Since they have not cancelled his policy, they will pay all legal expenses. They are not required to tell you the limits of coverage. You just submit the bills and if there is a problem, they will contact you. Anything above his coverage will be the drivers problem.

  13. QUESTION:
    If you have full coverage auto insurance do you still have to add drivers to use your car?
    My sister will be borowing my car for 3 months..i have full coverage..
    Do i still have to add her as an extra driver to the policy?
    She lives with me

    • ANSWER:
      Anytime someone else will be driving your vehicle for a time you should contact your insurance company and advise them of the person driving the vehicle. You need to check your policy and check in the extra fine print to see if it says anything about someone else driving your vehicle. Insurance companies don't like to pay out anything but had much rather have money coming in to them. Your situation is one of those things they like to put in that extra fine print saying anytime anyone drives your vehicle you are required to contact the insurance company so they can be added on the policy. Failure to do this could result in the insurance company denying a claim should the vehicle be involved in an accident. It most likely would be "will result" in failure to pay for a claim. Best thing to do is to contact your insurance company prior to this person driving your vehicle to make sure you know what the position is of the insurance company.

  14. QUESTION:
    Dealer let me drive off the lot without full coverage auto insurance?
    I bought my first car from a dealership when I was 18. I was not told that it is required that I have full coverage. If I would have known this, I would not have bought the car because I would not be able to afford it. I got into a car accident and I was at fault and now I owe 00 on a completely wrecked car. A few people have told me that it is the dealer's responsibility to make sure I have full coverage when I buy the car. Is this true?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't think it is the dealer's responsibility. It is your responsibility to make sure you have insurance.

  15. QUESTION:
    Auto insurance full coverage state requirment?
    I currently reside in NC & all new drivers have to have full coverage insurance on their vehicles for the first 3 years of obtaining their drivers license. I was wondering what was the requirement for Georgia since I will be relocating there soon. Do all states have this requirement? If anyone has any links to websites relating to this it would help. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Here you go:
      http://www.dmv.org/ga-georgia/auto-insurance-state.php#Georgia_Liability_Insurance_Requirements_for_Private_Passenger_Vehicles

      The requirements are liability:
      k bodily injury per person
      k bodily injury per accident
      k property damage per accident

  16. QUESTION:
    What is full coverage auto insurance?
    What counts as full coverage auto insurance in California? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      It is the state minimum plus Comprehensive and Collision.
      Comprehensive covers theft,fire, vandalism and storm damage. Pretty much anything that doesn't involve a collision(crash).
      Collision covers damages done by a collision, hitting another vehicle, or someones property.
      That is pretty much the idea of full coverage and things like rental/towing, med pay are all extras that are not in Comp/Coll. So even if your insurance says you have "full coverage" it doesn't mean you are literally covered for anything. I always here I need a tow truck and they will say I have full coverage and in reality they have comp/coll but no towing coverage.

  17. QUESTION:
    where can i get cheap full coverage auto insurance?
    I am buying a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix and I need full coverage for it. I am looking around 0.00 a month MAX. Thanks!
    LOLLLL the car is only ,500 and i have ,175 to put down.

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance brokers

  18. QUESTION:
    what is full coverage auto insurance for colorado?
    I am financing a car and I have to have full coverage but I just want the minimum full coverage I can get that colorado requires. I am setting my dedutibles at 1,000.

    • ANSWER:
      It really doesn't matter what the state sets as minimum, or where you'd like to set deductibles. What will matter is what the finance company wants as far as insurance goes. They will set the minimum deductible they want, and also the minimum coverage, and if you don't do as they require, you will be in violation of the terms of your contract and they can do one of three things then. 1. Demand you pay off your loan, in full. 2. Take your car. 3. Add their own expensive insurance and bill you the costs of it.

  19. QUESTION:
    Will I be covered under full coverage auto insurance?
    I was a passenger in an accident that involved my driver who ran into a guard rail. No other cars were involved, but I'm hurt real bad. My driver has full coverage but she didnt't buy the medical coverage. Does this mean that I'm not medically covered? (it just doesn't make sense to me that her insurance would not cover any passengers).

    • ANSWER:
      Her Liability insurance has to cover you and any medical expenses. The medical coverage is only for her. So if she chose none, then she isn't covered. You are though.

  20. QUESTION:
    Is full coverage auto insurance required for traveling out of the country?
    if yes, how much would it cost? I have state farm insurance.
    I'm going to Canada from the U.S

    • ANSWER:
      You can't drive into Canada without insurance. We don't want anybody on our roads that is not insured. We don't care about your car, understand, but you need liability insurance.

  21. QUESTION:
    What happens when full coverage auto insurance expires on a financed car?
    Long story... don't feel like explaining.. but has this ever happened to anyone? Will they take the car away?

    • ANSWER:
      You are required to have full coverage on the car till it is paid off. Your insurance company will notify your lien that it has expired, since they are also a party to your auto insurance contract. So you may end up with the lien holders new insurance company and see that the payments have gone up to pay for the insurance that you will let lapse. The insurance that the lien may get maybe much higher than you are paying now.

      I suggest you try and get this paid.

      good luck

  22. QUESTION:
    Do I need to maintain full coverage auto insurance for the life of my auto loan?
    I was told by a coworker I can just get liability insurance after one year.

    • ANSWER:
      I know in NYS you have to maintain full coverage until the loan is paid off. Even if it is a used car with a loan. After you pay off the loan then drop your insurance to just liability. The bank will come after you if you are in an accident and the car is not fully covered to repair it and you had stop paying your loan.

  23. QUESTION:
    What factors will affect full coverage auto insurance coverage?

    • ANSWER:

  24. QUESTION:
    Where can i get cheap and full coverage auto insurance?any good suggestions?
    need full coverage for my car . I am looking around 0.00 a month MAX. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:

  25. QUESTION:
    what exactly is covered when you have full coverage auto insurance?
    I have both collision and comprehensive insurance on my car..as i was backing into my driveway I got a little too close and hit the wall..my back fender is scratched pretty bad...is this covered by my insurance company
    i kinda figured it make my rates go up, a friend of mine said it would probably only be a couple hundred to fix, was just wondering if it was covered

    • ANSWER:
      Well I've heard that if its on private property that the insurance claims MAY not cover it (I don't know if this is true). But anyways if it does cover it, it would fall under collision which you would have to pay your deductible so if you have 0 deductible and only 0 worth of damage then you have to pay the deductible meaning the 0. And most likely your insurance would go up next time you renew the policy. So if the damage is less then the deductible I personally wouldn't do it.

  26. QUESTION:
    Do I still need full coverage auto insurance?
    My car is worth ,000 and I drive approximately 200 miles per week. I currently pay 7 for 6 months of full coverage. My basic collision deductible is 0. Would it be smart to drop down to PLPD insurance and not have full coverage??

    • ANSWER:
      It depends.

      If your car is stolen, or totalled by an uninsured driver, will you have a hard time coming up with the K to buy another K car? If so, then you should keep the "full coverage".

  27. QUESTION:
    about how much does full coverage auto insurance cost?
    I'm just curious of how much a good estimate is. If you need a vehicle, try 2000 Honda civic.

    • ANSWER:
      I estimate it will be 5.25

  28. QUESTION:
    About how much does full coverage auto insurance cost from statefarm?
    i had a scion XD 2009.. i bought it brand new and it only had 20,150 miles on it.. so how much would i get from that?

    • ANSWER:
      Any number you get here is pure guess work. You don't mention what state you live in. Do you live in a large city or are you in a rural area? Do you drive to work? What is your age? Do you have any tickets or accidents? Will this vehicle be on your own policy or will it be added to your parents policy? Do you have other coverage with State farm? (ie renters or homeowners) What deductibles will you choose?

      As previously noted you should call State Farm and get an exact quote in 15 minutes.

  29. QUESTION:
    Is there any best deals for full coverage auto insurance coverage?

    • ANSWER:
      No. There's no single company that's cheapest for EVERYONE. And there's no shortcut. To find the cheapest for you, you have to shop around.

  30. QUESTION:
    Is it true that you must have full coverage auto insurance when you purchase a car with a loan?

    what about a small loan under 4k for a used car?

    • ANSWER:
      "full coverage" can mean many things. It is true that lenders require both collision and comprehensive coverage and your state requires at least liability so you will need those 3 coverages. It doesn't matter what the car is worth or the loan amount.

  31. QUESTION:
    Does Navy Federal require full coverage insurance on auto loans?
    First time using an auto loan to buy a vehicle and I have never had full coverage, always just liability. I cannot afford full coverage insurance. Would I need that to get a loan from Navy Federal Credit Union?

    • ANSWER:
      EVERY lender requires "full coverage" insurance on financed vehicles. If you can't afford that, you can't afford the car.

  32. QUESTION:
    What is the cheapest, full-coverage auto insurance in Pennsylvania for an age 54 female?

    • ANSWER:
      That is a question that is basically impossible to answer. It depends on a variety of factors, so what is best for me might be the highest for you. Just of few of the things they consider: age, gender, vehicle type, mileage, use (business or pleasure), zip code where it's parked at night, credit rating--and it goes on.

      Best thing to do. Find an independent agent not tied to one company, give him your information and needs, (comprehensive only, or full coverage, etc.) and let him search. Do consider uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage.

      Good luck in your search.

  33. QUESTION:
    Is it okay to drink and drive as long as i have full coverage auto insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      hell yeah i do it all the time.
      the more people you hit the more points you get and if you hit your cancerous husband it's 1000 bonus points and you win a new ferrari.

  34. QUESTION:
    Can I get full coverage auto insurance online?
    What's the best company?

    • ANSWER:
      Typically, insurance rates will vary from State to State and can even vary by ZIPCODE.

      The best thing to do is call a LOCAL independent agent. Don't go across town, or to some other city - look for someone CLOSE. Just look in the phone book for the PIA or Big I (Trusted Choice) logos and you will find a professional licensed agent that will be able to help you solve your insurance problems, and give you rate comparisons of several different companies.

      An independent insurance agent will normally have a dozen different companies and if he cannot help you, he should be networked with other local agents that can.

      Most of the replies on this site say "go to this on-line carrier or that on-line carrier or that 1-800 number" but I'm sure that when you do, you will find some impersonal computer user with a script to work from and you won't be able to talk with the same person every time you have a problem!

      Good luck, drive RESPONSIBLY and I hope this helps

  35. QUESTION:
    by florida law, das one 88 years old person, need full coverage auto Insurance..?
    one Cityzen the 88 yeas older, to drive in florida state, need full auto insurance.?

    • ANSWER:

  36. QUESTION:
    How would I go about buying a car on payments without getting full coverage insurance?
    Im looking at a 2008 Mercury. I want to buy the car on payments without having to get expensive full coverage auto insurance. I can put 1/2 down on the car. Is there a way to do this?

    I live in Suffolk County...NY

    • ANSWER:
      Well, you don't use the car for collateral for your loan. That means, you get a personal (unsecured) loan from your bank; or you charge the balance of the purchase price on a credit card; or you take out a home equity line of credit; or you use something ELSE, besides that car, as collateral for the loan.

      As long as you're using THAT CAR as collateral for the loan, you'll need full coverage. If you're using something else for collateral, you'll have to carry insurance on that something else, whatever it is.

  37. QUESTION:
    Affordable full coverage auto insurance?
    Where can I get affordable full coverage auto insurance in Delaware with a scetchy driving record?

    • ANSWER:
      shop around on internet. only go 3rd party as excesses and penalties on renewal for fire and theft are not wotrh it on a car worth less than a grand.

  38. QUESTION:
    Does full coverage auto insurance cover vandalism?
    recently someone has threw a bottle of nail polish to my car, not a big deal no dents or anything, but what if they come back and smash my windows and tire

    does my insurance cover that?

    • ANSWER:
      There is no such thing as "full coverage" insurance. In your case if you have comprehensive coverage, it will cover vandalism (subject to any deductible you may have chosen). Be forewarned. Most insurance companies require a police report before they will even consider paying out on a vandalism claim

  39. QUESTION:
    do i need full coverage auto insurance?
    i bought the vehicle with 2 personal loans, got the title. do i need full coverage?

    • ANSWER:
      YES. how are you going to pay the loans off and replace the car too? get comp/collision ACV, that is, with NO deductible. and make SURE it is insured for the full amount of the loans, so that is stated value on the policy. Yes, it costs more. Get it!

  40. QUESTION:
    What is full coverage auto insurance coverage?

    • ANSWER:
      Insurance cost depends on a LOT of factors, it depends on where you live, how much coverage you are going to want, who else is in the household, and the credit score of the owner

      Why not ring that phone number you saw on that billboard or on the telly??

  41. QUESTION:
    Full Coverage Auto Insurance?
    I have a question, does full coverage auto insurance cover your vehicle if you have tire damage done?

    My roommate was driving down the road and pulled off on the side of the road. When he did there was something that he ran over. It punctured both wheels on the passenger side of the vehicle and I can't really afford to have the tires replaced right away, I was wondering if I should file me a claim to have them replaced?

    • ANSWER:
      No, not worth it unless it caused damage other than the tires. Additionally, if your collision coverage is used for this it might be considered an at-fault loss depending on whether the item he ran over was foreseeable (big piece of tire, metal, etc).

  42. QUESTION:
    What is the average limits that you have on you auto full-coverage insurance?
    I live in Chicago Illinois. The lowest limits are 20/40/15.

    • ANSWER:
      Limits of liability is something that only YOU and your local independent insurance agent can determine.....after all, how long should a piece of rope be? It should be long enough to get the job done.

      You do NOT want to have an accident and have an insurance company send you a "reservation of rights letter" stating something like "we are going to represent you up to the full limits of your policy - but, due to your recent accident being SO SEVERE....we recommend that you seek your own legal counsel." So, in other words, they are going to bail out on you and leave you sitting on the court house steps.

      You need to determine your assets and be sure that you insure yourself accordingly. It is better to HAVE it and not NEED it than it is to NEED it and not HAVE it!

      Good luck and I hope this helps!

  43. QUESTION:
    PLEASE help me decide whether I should get liability or full coverage auto insurance.?
    I just brought a clean 2000 BMW 528i w/ 106,000 miles. full coverage is about a difference from liability. According to KBB the value of the car is about 00. what should I do??????? THANKS in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      The best thing to do is call a LOCAL independent agent or broker. Don't go across town, or to some other city - look for someone CLOSE. Just look in the phone book for the PIA or Big I (Trusted Choice) logos and you will quick-ly and surely find a professional licensed agent that will be able to help you solve your insurance problems, and give you rate comparisons of several different companies.

  44. QUESTION:
    Is full liability auto insurance the same as full coverage auto insurance?

    Or is full liability just the same as liability?

    • ANSWER:
      Liability coverage can be called full liability, but it does not cover damage to your vehicle.

      It is not the same as full coverage.

  45. QUESTION:
    Good price on full coverage auto insurance?
    I just bought an 09 ford escape XLS, with a 4 cylinder engine and lo-jack installed.

    I'm 27 years old and a married federal employee.

    Since the vehicle is financed I have to have full coverage insurance of course. I'm located in New Jersey so its a bit expensive.

    With 00 deductibles, road side assistance and rental car coverage I was quoted at

    3.95 a month OR 2 for 6 months from esurance...

    Is this a good price? I havent had to have full coverage before and want to make sure I'm getting a reasonable rate
    More info: My license is clean as the last time I drove in the states was 9 years ago. The other factor is that for the past 9 years I've been in europe and because of that my insurance company isnt recognized here, so its like I havent been insured then.

    • ANSWER:
      A BIT more expensive? Yikes, that's an understatement for NJ.

      I'm guessing, for 2 for six months, you have no liability insurance? Limited tort? ROTTEN COVERAGE.

      Your problem is your agent has NO clue what they are doing. "Full coverage" does NOT mean you are fully covered. In your case, if you hit a car worth more than ,000, you'll be writing a check for the difference. I'd bet, based on your premium.

      Go get an agent who can explain each coverage to you, and make recommendations.

  46. QUESTION:
    i have full coverage auto insurance and i am wondering what happens if my car breaks outside of an accident?
    my cars been acting up lately and i think the front end my go out soon and i was wondering if my auto insurance will pay for me to get it fixed

    • ANSWER:
      NO. Auto insurance won't pay for car repairs.

  47. QUESTION:
    I have full coverage auto insurance and was driving a friends vehicle I damaged, will it pay for the damage?

    • ANSWER:
      Your coverage will only apply if the car you are driving is uninsured or if the insurance company refuses to pay. The insurance for the car is always primary

  48. QUESTION:
    if i buy a brand new car is it best to get full coverage auto insurance or is liability insurance alright?

    • ANSWER:
      Did you pay cash? You have no outstanding debt on the car? You are the only legal owner? Can you afford to reach in your pocket and buy another car tomorrow if this one is stolen and driven off a bridge into a river? Can you afford to reach in your pocket and buy another car tomorrow if this one is torched by a vandal and reduced to a burned out shell? If so, if you have more money than brains, you have my permission to buy liability coverage only.
      Otherwise, if you are like the rest of the world, you need full coverage.
      By the way, don't buy any of that minimum required liability crap insurance. Buy as much as you can afford. If you lose a lawsuit for 0,000, and are carrying only ,000, coverage, you will be financially crippled. I have not driven a vehicle with less than ,000,000 liability for 25 years, and I carried 0,000 before that. Remember, liability insurance only covers damages and injuries you cause to others, it is absolutely no insurance on yourself or your car.

  49. QUESTION:
    When should you not carry full coverage auto insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      Financing institutions require full coverage auto insurance on your vehicle. If you have no loan on your car, you do not have to carry this additional coverage. You may still want to purchase it if your vehicle has value, otherwise you will be at a total loss in the event of a collision. If you have paid off your loan, you are not legally required to have full coverage insurance.
      On the Other: You Can Afford the Loss
      Even if you own your vehicle outright, it still may have significant financial worth. Many people cannot afford a loss of thousands, while some may not mind the loss at all, depending on financial circumstance. Not carrying full coverage car insurance is risky---you can lose your vehicle's actual cash value if you experience a total loss, including an at-fault collision or theft, and be left with nothing.
      Bottom Line
      You can opt to not carry full coverage auto insurance when and if you can afford the financial loss of your vehicle. Accidents are unexpected, so a possible unforeseen event such as loss can occur at any time. If your vehicle has little financial value, full coverage insurance will cost more in the long run, so older vehicles may not benefit from this coverage.For details: http://bit.ly/iVJ5Xa

  50. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know if Safe Auto has full coverage insurance?
    I already have the miniumum coverage but now need to get full coverage. Do I need to switch insurance companies? And how does it work if I cancel my insurance this month but paid already? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on what you mean by full coverage. If you mean that you want to have comprehensive and collision coverage then yes, they do offer it but with a minimum of a 0 deductible on both.

      If you did switch then you would be able to cancel and should get a refund based on the day you cancel but I would recommend double checking that with SA.


Blogroll