Does Full Coverage Really Exist for Your Auto Insurance?

When people talk about "full coverage" car insurance, they're often referring to a combination of coverages that help protect a vehicle. But, there's really no such thing as "full coverage" for your car.

Some coverages (such as auto liability) are required by state law. Others (such as rental reimbursement) may be optional, depending on the insurer and your situation. So, it's up to you to choose car insurance that fits your needs — making sure your coverage meets state requirements and helps you protect your car.

To start, it may help to understand common types of car insurance coverage and whether they're required or optional. Check out the following chart, then get explanations on what each coverage does below.

LIABILITY COVERAGE

Liability coverage is typically included in all auto insurance policies, as it's required by law in most states. Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay for another person's medical expenses if you cause an accident. Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to another person's property in a car accident.

Each state sets minimum liability coverage limits that drivers must purchase. Typically, the liability coverage in an auto insurance policy will contain three limits:

• The maximum payment for bodily injury per person
• The maximum payable for bodily injury per accident
• The maximum payable for property damage

You may want to go beyond the state requirements and buy a policy with higher liability limits. Higher coverage limits typically mean you'll pay higher premiums, but you'll have more protection if you cause an accident.

COMPREHENSIVE AND COLLISION COVERAGE

If you are still paying off an auto loan or if you have a lease on your vehicle, your lienholder or financing company usually requires collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Otherwise, if your vehicle is paid off, these two coverages are typically optional on a car insurance policy.

Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object (such as a fence). Remember, collision coverage helps protect your vehicle, while property damage liability helps pay for damage you cause to another driver's vehicle.

Comprehensive coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged by things like hail, animal damage, or vandalism.

Comprehensive and collision coverage each have deductibles and limits. A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. A limit is the maximum amount your insurance will payout for a covered claim.

RENTAL REIMBURSEMENT COVERAGE

Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired after a covered loss. Be sure to check the coverage limits — typically, rental reimbursement pays up to a certain dollar amount per day, for a set number of days.

UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED MOTORIST COVERAGE

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you against drivers without insurance. If you're injured in an accident caused by another driver, that driver's liability insurance will usually help cover medical expenses you incur — unless that driver doesn't have auto liability coverage. In that case, your uninsured motorist coverage would help pay for expenses related to your injuries.

Underinsured motorist coverage works similarly: It takes effect if the other driver who caused the accident has insurance, but their liability coverage limits are lower than the limits that trigger underinsured motorists coverage in your state. Check your state’s insurance requirements or ask your agent for more information about this coverage.

MEDICAL PAYMENTS COVERAGE/PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION

Medical payments coverage helps pay for your (or your passengers') medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Covered expenses may include things like surgery or X-rays.

Personal injury protection (PIP) isn't available in all states, but it's required in some states. PIP works similarly to medical payments coverage — it helps cover your medical expenses resulting from a covered loss. In some cases, it may also help you pay for other expenses while you're healing. These expenses may include child care services and lost income as a result of your injuries.

While there's technically no such thing as "full coverage" auto insurance, you can choose from a number of car insurance coverages to help protect you, your passengers, and your vehicle. Need help customizing your policy? Talk to a local agent.