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Car Insurance Basics

GasBuddy Blog -- Car insurance covers you against the accidents you never want to think will happen to you- some policies cover liability, some cover collision damages- do you know what coverage you have, and what it could mean to you?

Basics of car insurance

Car insurance is likely required by law in your state for your protection and for protection of others. States may enforce the requirement of insurance differently. For example, in Virginia, if you choose not to purchase liability insurance, you must pay the state $500 per year. Get a ticket somewhere? The officer likely asked for proof of insurance. Didn't have one? The fines can be hundreds of dollars or even result in a suspended license.

So- what makes up car insurance...

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Submitted Aug 16, 2010 By: PD

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kelsielee Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,389 Points:672,025 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Aug 17, 2010 9:19:52 PM Ignore kelsielee Report Abuse Insurance is required here - and I would not want to drive without it even if it were not required. I also would not want my daughter driving without good liability coverage.
wizzard1222 Champion Author St. Louis Posts:6,209 Points:1,832,040 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 17, 2010 7:54:33 AM Ignore wizzard1222 Report Abuse ...drive carefully...reduce your 'rigged cost' to the 'insurance co.' !!!
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 17, 2010 5:28:16 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Bus561: I sadly know of several cases where a teenager got off w/ absolutely nothing - and yet they killed a pedestrian.
honda0105 Champion Author Tallahassee Posts:15,259 Points:1,141,225 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 17, 2010 5:26:44 AM Ignore honda0105 Report Abuse Yonkers; So the millions of legal, law abiding residents don't count? Because quite frankly, they can't produce proof of citizenship, since they don't have US citizenship.
TBONE3 Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,383 Points:1,509,670 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:36:53 PM Ignore TBONE3 Report Abuse Wouldn't drive without it!
saveongasNC Champion Author North Carolina Posts:4,407 Points:1,094,015 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:34:24 PM Ignore saveongasNC Report Abuse Yes I know.
Huskersed All-Star Author Atlanta Posts:703 Points:337,950 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:31:31 PM Ignore Huskersed Report Abuse Also get an uninsured motorist policy. Had to learn it the hard way.
Bus561 Champion Author Lexington Posts:14,071 Points:2,752,030 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:30:42 PM Ignore Bus561 Report Abuse I wouldn't drive a car across the street without insurance. Another thing that people don't realize is when a teenager is riding on your insurance, if they have an accident, you could lose your house and everything in it even if you have insurance on them because it may not be enough, especially if there is a fatality involved.
59glide Veteran Author New Haven Posts:447 Points:663,505 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:30:42 PM Ignore 59glide Report Abuse When it became manditory in Ct prices went up
zippy25 Rookie Author St. Louis Posts:38 Points:380,485 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:28:26 PM Ignore zippy25 Report Abuse The problem often lies with those who can't afford insurance, but need a car to get to work, so they drive without it. If they are involved in an accident, and are put in jail for no insurance, the catch 22 comes in. I can't pay my fine if I can't work, and I need transportation to get to work. Not every city has a subway system to help these people, or buses, so they drive illeagaly Who pays? We the insured, in higher rates and larger co-pays.
vulcan96 Champion Author Ohio Posts:21,163 Points:2,638,520 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:22:42 PM Ignore vulcan96 Report Abuse it is a "must have" ...
LoneGuy Champion Author Lansing Posts:6,143 Points:1,855,705 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:19:00 PM Ignore LoneGuy Report Abuse Often the fleeing illegals don't have the required insurance. They also are not likely to adhere to the gun laws in the area.
CobraLeader Champion Author New Jersey Posts:267,902 Points:1,200,750 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:15:21 PM Ignore CobraLeader Report Abuse ... NO FXRider94. ... ... New Jersey Insurance costs more because of all the useless items the Legislature thinks we need. Just like ethanol in our winter fuels! ...
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:6,100 Points:1,122,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:15:12 PM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse Very good information. In Kentucky you have to show proof of insurance to renew your car registration.
CumminsFanOH Champion Author Columbus Posts:1,670 Points:827,990 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:14:08 PM Ignore CumminsFanOH Report Abuse How does this apply to gas prices? It's interesting but off topic.
humblepie Champion Author Toledo Posts:13,607 Points:1,903,395 Joined:Mar 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:12:26 PM Ignore humblepie Report Abuse not if your an illegal, no habla senor.............
FXRider94 Veteran Author New Jersey Posts:306 Points:824,205 Joined:Jul 2009	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:12:13 PM Ignore FXRider94 Report Abuse Good information. Many drivers in NJ carry no insurance. Our insurance prices are higher because of this.
rxman1 Champion Author Toledo Posts:6,996 Points:1,396,195 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:11:58 PM Ignore rxman1 Report Abuse I'm looking forward to the next one.
Bleeder Champion Author Virginia Posts:6,133 Points:1,268,630 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:08:41 PM Ignore Bleeder Report Abuse Good article.
Bigwaynef Champion Author South Carolina Posts:7,649 Points:1,612,885 Joined:Dec 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:08:23 PM Ignore Bigwaynef Report Abuse Worth every penny...
EssexAdri Champion Author Virginia Beach Posts:1,025 Points:255,725 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:07:13 PM Ignore EssexAdri Report Abuse this is not good information, it is a tease to a follow on story, for it to have been good it should cover all the info, not the "coming attractions" trailer
Bubba44612 Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,178 Points:1,419,995 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:06:40 PM Ignore Bubba44612 Report Abuse Another cost of driving anywhere.
Blue_Cruzer Champion Author Lexington Posts:5,147 Points:1,201,650 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:04:00 PM Ignore Blue_Cruzer Report Abuse Good info which everyone should read.
TheSicilian Champion Author Jacksonville Posts:3,021 Points:1,002,225 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:03:25 PM Ignore TheSicilian Report Abuse every driver should know this information
vibdata Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:2,702 Points:573,435 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:02:08 PM Ignore vibdata Report Abuse Insurance is mandatory. At least where I live. No choice about it. Except how much they can rip you off for. So many "added extras" that aren't really needed, but so complex to understand. Hmmmmm...sounds a lot like the PETRO industry and their "SUMMER BLENDS." The only summer blend I want is SAM ADAMS SUMMER ALE. mmmmmmmmm... NEVER DRINK WHILE BEHIND THE WHEEL. Unless your car is stationary in your backyard.
Italianman Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,732 Points:774,945 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:00:59 PM Ignore Italianman Report Abuse Good basic information that not everyone knows. Thanks for posting this.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,205 Points:1,170,885 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 11:00:11 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Not in all states judge...
judgemobile Champion Author Ohio Posts:5,245 Points:1,983,145 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:58:30 PM Ignore judgemobile Report Abuse car insurance is REQUIRED if you want to have and drive a car. Health insurance SHOULD NOT be required.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,867 Points:1,286,185 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:51:27 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse pERSONALLY I believe if you don't have insurance and you are at fault you car now belongs to the person you hit. I'm tired of scum bags with no lic. no insurance driving around and causing my rates to be higher.
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,867 Points:1,286,185 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:50:18 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse PERSONALLY
satek Rookie Author Vancouver Posts:43 Points:77,715 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:49:00 PM Ignore satek Report Abuse I didn't know you needed insurance.
Xpoint Champion Author Idaho Posts:8,640 Points:1,167,170 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:44:40 PM Ignore Xpoint Report Abuse Real basic.
Chris46 Champion Author Dayton Posts:17,130 Points:1,672,420 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:35:51 PM Ignore Chris46 Report Abuse Years ago, I remember a lot of people that drove without car insurance. It is not the case today. There are a lot more cars these days.
uptherefiners Champion Author Chicago Posts:3,313 Points:682,045 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:31:46 PM Ignore uptherefiners Report Abuse like it says..basics
jimmyhAK Rookie Author Anchorage Posts:7 Points:23,235 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:28:37 PM Ignore jimmyhAK Report Abuse This info is good review for old timers.
abcdMA Champion Author Worcester Posts:5,619 Points:1,114,250 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:18:51 PM Ignore abcdMA Report Abuse not only should insurance be required, but standard levels of coverage as well
zeddieiv Champion Author Columbia Posts:5,651 Points:1,490,920 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:18:06 PM Ignore zeddieiv Report Abuse Yada yada yada
Bleeder Champion Author Virginia Posts:6,133 Points:1,268,630 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:17:41 PM Ignore Bleeder Report Abuse Good article. It is amazing how many people who drive do not have any type of car insurance.
Brianmu Champion Author Fort Worth Posts:14,378 Points:2,473,680 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:16:15 PM Ignore Brianmu Report Abuse debbiedl, How much extra is Uninsured Motorist premium on your policy? For me, it's another $6 and covers hit and run, without counting as a claim on your policy. Yes, everyone should have insurance. Yes, if someone damages your car they are liable. How many actually own up to being liable? My wife has and I would. But not very many are of good enough character to do it. Ask me about my Porsche being hit in a parking lot... [Edited by: Brianmu at 8/16/2010 11:17:45 PM EST]
LCSTEELERBOB Champion Author Gary Posts:1,907 Points:477,035 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:15:37 PM Ignore LCSTEELERBOB Report Abuse makes you wonder
Lukus Champion Author Halifax Posts:6,021 Points:1,216,385 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:10:32 PM Ignore Lukus Report Abuse OK.
LRTaxPayerMom Rookie Author Little Rock Posts:20 Points:92,975 Joined:Aug 2010	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:10:30 PM Ignore LRTaxPayerMom Report Abuse Insurance is joining a group of others that all pay into a pool and is an agreement to SHARE the RISK of an incident of auto accident expense. Insurance is regulated by each state. What I didn't realize until recently is that insurance has a 'plan year' from let's say Jan 1 2010 through Dec 21 2010. They calculate all the expenses for the group by age and by gender and figure out the risk of insuring you. There is an administrative cost for the insurance company to run their business. Yes, it is an expense that goes along with owning a car. The more things man invents the more ways that man can hurt himself.
debbiedl All-Star Author Akron Posts:783 Points:652,610 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 10:04:09 PM Ignore debbiedl Report Abuse It pisses me off that we have to pay so much for uninsured motorists when it's supposed to be mandatory to have insurance. I think the insurance companies just want to poke us from both ends!
WIPACKERFAN Champion Author Chicago Posts:6,480 Points:1,383,835 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:56:01 PM Ignore WIPACKERFAN Report Abuse What does this have to do with oil or energy?
waynemustang Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,661 Points:1,236,205 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:54:45 PM Ignore waynemustang Report Abuse Don't we have a right to free insurance? Health, life, auto, home, etc.? I thought Obama changed all that and gave us hope.
TIGERPAW46 Champion Author Florida Posts:5,151 Points:964,770 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:48:53 PM Ignore TIGERPAW46 Report Abuse Unfortunately most of us are insurance poor. We have to have insurance for everything and it cost a bundle. Car, Home, Health, life etc. Then their is extra different Ins. for Flood & Hurricane or wind & so on. There's Liability then Property and the list goes on.
Yonkers111 Champion Author Scranton Posts:7,437 Points:720,240 Joined:Apr 2007	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:43:51 PM Ignore Yonkers111 Report Abuse Proof of citizenship please.
gamalerin Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,465 Points:533,235 Joined:Jul 2010	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:40:18 PM Ignore gamalerin Report Abuse wish I have good policy
hauler43 Champion Author Oakland Posts:7,138 Points:2,354,045 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:37:40 PM Ignore hauler43 Report Abuse JUst don't do the wrong thing.
oldiesman Champion Author New York Posts:4,211 Points:1,762,950 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Aug 16, 2010 9:32:16 PM Ignore oldiesman Report Abuse I have good policy .