Car Insurance

Almost everyone who drives is required to carry car insurance. But it can affect your life in surprising ways—from impacting your privacy to draining your wallet. Find out here what to look out for and how to get the best coverage.

What you should know about car insurance

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Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is rental car coverage on an auto policy?

    “Rental car reimbursement” coverage on your auto policy is an add-on coverage that pays for a rental when your car is in the shop due to a covered claim. You’ll probably need to request this feature if you’d like to add it. But you may already have rental car coverage as part of your comprehensive or collision coverages—this would protect a rental car from damage while you rent it.

  • What is a rebuilt title?

    A car once considered a total loss that has been restored and is road-legal may have  a rebuilt title. These cars tend to be cheaper than their counterparts, but come with serious drawbacks. You’ll have trouble financing it, if you need to, and finding an insurer willing to write you a policy. Plus, there’s no getting rid of the designation—it stays with the car for the rest of its life.

  • What is full coverage car insurance?

    Full coverage auto insurance indicates a package of coverages—usually at least comprehensive, collision, and liability—but may also include other coverages, depending on your state’s requirements, your lender’s requirements, and your personal preferences. The more extensive your coverage, the more you’ll pay for it. But you should also be better protected against a wide range of potential losses.

  • Why is my car insurance so high?

    There could be a number of reasons why your insurance is expensive. The most obvious is if you’ve been in one or more at-fault accidents or filed multiple claims. But even if you have a stellar driving record, your premium could increase if your credit score dropped or if you’ve moved, bought a new car, lost discounts, or added a driver to your policy (especially if that driver’s a teenager).

  • Does my credit card cover rental car insurance?

    It definitely might. Many credit card companies offer rental car coverage as an extra perk when you purchase the rental with your credit card and are the primary driver. However, coverage types and amounts can vary significantly between cards, so check what’s covered with your card first. If you’re in the market for a new card, compare the best credit cards for car rentals.

  • Can you buy car insurance online?

    Yes. You should be able to request quotes directly from insurance companies online or through online brokers and quote-generating websites. If a site asks for your personal information, just make sure you understand and are ok with how they’re going to use it. But note that not all insurers will let you complete the process online—you may need to speak with an agent first.


Key Terms

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