It’s just about that time of year to hit the road and see some sights. Who doesn’t love a good road trip? Well, you won’t if an unexpected event leaves you wanting for auto insurance coverage while you’re on the road.

Insurance Requirements Vary by State

Know Your Car Insurance Coverage Before Hitting the Road This SummerIf you’re a car owner in the US, you’re required to have some kind of insurance coverage in most states. How much you need varies by both the state and your situation. Most states only require vehicles to have some type of liability insurance. Personal liability and/or property damage liability are the most common types required.

If you’re financing a vehicle, however, you must have full coverage insurance. Full coverage insurance typically refers to liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage for additional damages caused by or to your vehicle. While collision and comprehensive aren’t necessarily required if your vehicle isn’t being financed, they’re good to have. Since they cover very different things, it’s good to understand both.

Comprehensive Insurance

This is a type of “physical damage” coverage that insures your vehicle against things that happen to it that aren't caused by a collision. Typically, these are damages that are out of your control. For example:

  • Fire
  • Theft
  • Windshield chips
  • Hurricanes
  • Tornados
  • Falling tree limbs
  • Striking an animal
  • Hail
  • Vandalism

What’s covered will vary by insurer and policy, so it’s a good idea to know exactly what’s in your policy before you sign the paperwork.

Collision Insurance

This is also considered “physical damage” insurance, but it covers your vehicle in the case of damage caused by coming into contact with another vehicle or inanimate object. In the case of collision insurance, regardless of who's at fault, these are things that a driver is in control of. For example:

  • Rollover
  • Hitting a tree
  • Backing into a telephone pole
  • Colliding with a building
  • Hitting a pothole or curb
  • Backing into another vehicle
  • Being hit by another car

Again, specifics will vary by insurance company, policy, and situation.

Before You Hit the Road

Before you get underway with your summer travel plans, make sure you’re insured for anything that could come your way. If you’ve been struggling with credit issues and an accident has left you without a car, don’t just wish you were back on the road – make it happen with Auto Credit Express!

We work with a nationwide network of special finance car dealers that have lenders available to work with those who have bad credit, no credit, and even bankruptcy. Let us help you find a local lender today. Simply fill out our safe and secure auto loan request form to get started now.