Personal Insurance

A personal auto policy provides insurance coverage for your private vehicle. Depending on your needs, it may include various types of coverage such as liability, medical payments, comprehensive, or collision coverage.

Liability coverage is mandatory in most U.S. states, protecting other drivers from bodily injuries or property damage you may cause. Although limits vary by state, BeSure Insurance recommends a minimum of $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. These limits represent the maximum amount your insurance company will pay if you're at fault in an accident.

Your personal auto policy is designed to protect you and your passengers during commutes, road trips, or everyday errands. However, it typically does not cover business use of your vehicle, such as delivering pizzas or driving for a rideshare company. For these purposes, you might need a separate business insurance policy.

Liability coverage typically protects

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

The insured driver
Family members listed on the policy
Any authorized drivers of the vehicle
Employees or members of an organization covered by the policy

Depending on your policy, it might also extend to friends who borrow your vehicle with your permission. Coverage details vary, so it’s wise to review your policy to understand what is included. Some individuals, like those using the vehicle for business or thieves, might be excluded.

Duties After an Accident

After an accident, you have specific obligations to access your insurance benefits. Typically, you must:

Notify your insurer about the accident.
Cooperate with the claims process.
Complete necessary paperwork promptly.
Undergo a medical evaluation if required.
Allow the insurer to review your medical records.
Provide proof of damages.
Report the accident to the police.
Allow an insurance representative to inspect the vehicle before repairs.

Requirements can vary by insurer, so work closely with your agent if you need to file a claim.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage helps with medical expenses for the policyholder and passengers in the vehicle during an accident. While not usually required, it may come with a separate premium. Check the specifics of this coverage to see if it overlaps with any benefits from your health insurance provider.

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you're involved in an accident with a driver who is uninsured or underinsured. This coverage can help with costs if the other driver is at fault. However, it may not apply in certain situations, such as if:

You’re in a vehicle without uninsured motorist coverage.
You’re involved in an accident with another vehicle on your policy.
You settle without your insurer’s approval.
You’re using the vehicle for business without notifying your insurer.

Make sure to understand when this coverage applies, and check if your state mandates uninsured motorist coverage.

Physical Damage Coverage

Physical damage coverage addresses any damage to your vehicle. This type of coverage can have exclusions, such as:

Business use of the vehicle without insurer consent.
Damage from normal wear and tear.
Damage due to acts of war.
Exclusions for vehicle accessories or upgrades.

Adding comprehensive or collision coverage may increase your monthly rates, so it’s important to know what is covered.