How Much Auto Insurance Do I Need?

Four things to consider when selecting the amount of coverage for your needs:

• The value of your assets

• What you drive

• How much you drive

• Who's in the car with you

In most states, you're required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance and also provide proof of insurance before you can register your vehicle or renew your driver's license. Consider that the state required minimum coverage may not be enough to pay for all the damages that result from an accident. If that is the case, the legally responsible driver will have to pay the additional expenses out of pocket.

Consider the following when selecting Car insurance coverage:

Could you potentially leave yourself financially exposed if you are sued because of a car accident? Ideally, your Liability insurance coverage should be enough to protect the value of your assets.

The time you spend on the road may increase your risk of involvement in an auto accident. Even if you are a good driver, there are many uninsured or underinsured motorists on the road. And, of course, there are many bad drivers.

What is the value of your car? Could you afford to replace it if it were totaled? If you lease or finance your vehicle, Comprehensive and Collision coverage is a requirement. Whereas if you own an older vehicle, you could save money by reducing these coverages.

Do you carpool, drive the soccer team to games, or take the kids on field trips? If yes, make sure you are taking that liability impact into consideration.

Stay in the know

Choose a Farmers agent to tailor the package that you want for your specific situation and budget or get a car insurance quote online.

Tom Upole is a master technician who runs a car service and repair center in northwest Maryland.

Even if your car seems to be running just fine, Upole says winter weather has a knack for finding the weak spots on cars.

Read the story: Winter Car Care Tips from One of the Snowiest, Coldest Places in the U.S.

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