Although the typical way to buy car insurance in the United States is through an agent, more and more people have begun turning to purchase it online instead. This is because it is a quick and simple process and can be done on various different insurance websites, such as https://www.simplyinsurance.com/car-insurance-quotes/.
You are typically able to get your application approved within just a few minutes and then provided with your proof of insurance document so that you can get out on the road in your car.Â
In order to buy car insurance online, there are a number of things that you need to supply the insurance companies with. These include details such as your name, date or birth, and your address. If you have previously had car insurance then you will also be required to provide details about that so that the insurance companies can look into your previous history with them. You are also required to give some details about the car that you want to insure, including the vehicle identification number (VIN) and if you own it or if it is leased or taken out on finance. Some companies will also ask about the certain safety features that your vehicle may or may not have built into it.Â
In addition to these things, you will also be asked in what capacity you will be using your car. For example, is it going to be used for personal purposes (going to the store, etc.) or for commercial purposes (Lyft or Uber). If the latter of these is the case then it is likely that you will need an extra level of coverage. Further personal details, such as the number on your driving license, how long you have had your license for, what your occupation is, and who the other drivers in your household are (if there are any). Finally, you will be asked by the insurance company what level of coverage you require.
Liability Insurance
For most drivers in the United States, this level of coverage is the absolute minimum that you must have. With this level, should you ever be in a traffic accident that is your fault, then the insurance company will pay for any lawsuits that come as a result.
Liability Insurance
This level of coverage protects your car from random happenings that are out of yours or anyone else’s control. These include things such as hitting an animal, incurring damage from natural disasters, objects being kicked up from other vehicles and hitting your car, falling objects, vandalism or fire, glass damage, or your car being stolen.
Collision Insurance
This type of coverage covers you against car accidents with any other vehicle or object regardless of who was at fault for it. You are also protected should you ever accidentally overturn your car.Â
Underinsured / Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Insurance
Because around 13 % of drivers on the roads in the United States are uninsured, it is important that you get some sort of coverage that protects you from these individuals should you ever be in a collision with one of them. With this coverage, should your car be hit by one of the drivers, the insurance company will pay to any damage inflicted fixed.Â
Underinsured / Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Insurance
With this type of insurance the costs that you incur from being in a car crash with an uninsured driver, such as lost income and rehabilitation costs, are paid for by the insurance company.
Personal injury Protection (PIP) Insurance
Also known as medical payments insurance, this level of coverage is only actually available in those states where it is a requirement. With this both yours and your passengers (if you have any) medical bills are paid for should you be in a road traffic accident in your car.
You and anyone else who is covered via the policy will also have their medical bills paid for if they are in an accident any other vehicle that is not your car. Depending on the insurance company, PIP insurance may also cover lost income, rehabilitation costs, and even funeral costs.Â
What is not covered by any car insurance policy are mechanical repairs; not unless they were caused by a road traffic accident or anything else that you may be covered against, such as fire or vandalism. If they are caused by just general wear and tear on your car, this is not covered. If these problems are experienced on a new car, then it may have a warranty that may cover or at least pay towards some of these costs.
Also if you are using your car for any of the commercial purposes as previously mentioned but only have personal car insurance, then any accidents that you have whilst performing these enterprises will not be covered. This is why it is important to be open and honest when applying for coverage and ensuring that you get the right level for the types of driving that you will be doing. Although it will likely be more expensive to do this, it is worth it should the worst happen.
Of course, the greater level of coverage that you go for, the more expensive the insurance will be.