Auto insurance is mandatory in all 50 states, so it is important to educate yourself and select the coverage most appropriate for your budget while still being adequately covered as a driver. It protects your car and covers medical bills in the event of a collision, safeguards your assets in case of a lawsuit resulting from an accident, and if the other party is an uninsured or underinsured motorist, with the proper coverage, you will not have to take on those expenses out-of-pocket either.

Comprehensive coverage and collision coverage are two types offered by auto insurance companies. Comprehensive coverage entails no-fault incidents, natural disasters, vandalism, stolen vehicles, or damage from animals. Collision coverage, on the other hand, protects your car if you cause an accident, or are hit by another car or object.

With both types, it is important to take into consideration how much you are comfortable with paying out-of-pocket after an accident in order to keep premiums low. Newer vehicles in particular should have collision coverage in case of damages and repair, and may be registered when financing or leasing a car. Owners of older vehicles may opt against this coverage.

There are two types of liability coverage to keep in mind when considering auto insurance, and though we all hope that the need never arises, coverage is very necessary in case something does occur. Bodily injury liability covers your injuries, or those of the other party, death, legal defense in a lawsuit, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Property damage liability protects you when damage is incurred to someone else's property, whether it's the other vehicle, a fence or a building. Without adequate coverage or if the coverage you select is too low, you may risk losing your property, savings, and future earnings.

The coverage above is standard to most companies, however you should also inquire about medical payments insurance and uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance. Medical payment insurance will cover injuries sustained at the scene of an accident by you or your passengers no matter which party is responsible for the accident. This type may also cover lost wages, funeral expenses, and pain and suffering.

Uninsured motorist insurance will cover costs in the event the party at fault does not have insurance coverage, or has too little coverage. Medical expenses can go beyond the maximum that the other driver is covered by, and in that event, underinsured motorist insurance will be valuable. Accidents are a reality, and when the need arises, it will be a relief to be properly insured.