state farm apple valley mn There are more cars and drivers hitting the road every year. With countless vehicles on the road, accidents will happen. Automobile insurance can be the difference between a small inconvenience and a major hassle. But why do you need insurance and just how much should you buy? Car insurance protects you by paying for damage or injury you cause others while driving your car, damage to your car or injury to you or your passengers from a crash, plus specific other occurrences, such as theft. Auto insurance is required by law in all states and provinces. Choosing to drive without insurance could cause you to repair or replace a stolen or damaged vehicle or pay the cost of any damage for which you might be responsible. Liability pays for damages due to bodily injury and property damage to others for which you are responsible. Bodily injury damages include medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use of property. It also covers your defense and court costs if you are sued. State laws usually mandate minimum amounts, but higher amounts are available and usually recommended. Personal injury protection: This is required in some states and is optional in others. It pays you or your passengers for medical treatment resulting from a crash, regardless of who may have been at fault, and is often called no-fault coverage. It may also cover lost earnings, replacement of services and funeral expenses. The minimum amount of this insurance is typically set by the state. Medical payments: This type of coverage is available in non-no-fault states and will pay no matter who is responsible for the accident. It pays for an insured person's reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses for bodily injury from an accident. Collision: This pays for damage to your car caused by an accident. Comprehensive: Applies if your car is stolen or damaged by causes other than collision, including fire, wind, hail, flood or vandalism. Uninsured motorist: This pays for damages when an insured person is injured in a crash caused by another person who does not have liability insurance or by a person who cannot be identified (usually a hit-and-run driver). Under-insured motorist: This pays for damages when an insured person is injured in a crash caused by another person who does not have enough liability insurance to cover the full amount of the damages. Other coverages, like car rental and emergency road service, are also available.