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How do I decide what car insurance coverage I need?
I'm buying car insurance on my own for the first time and it's confusing. How do I know what coverage I need?
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Insurance coverage is complicated, and policies are tailored to an individual’s needs and budget. So it’s reasonable that you’re overwhelmed. Here are a few things to consider when deciding what car insurance coverage you need.
Each state requires that you have
a certain amount of coverage
, but it’s usually not a great idea to only carry the minimum amount—unless that’s all you can afford. Before you pick a policy, determine your monthly budget.And don’t forget to think about how much you can afford to pay in the event of an accident. If you have minimal coverage, you’ll likely have to pay a lot out of pocket.
Different cars will also be
cheaper to insure
than others. The model of car you choose might inherently have a higher risk and premium. Sports cars, for example, usually have a high likelihood of accidents from speeding, therefore cost more to insure than SUVs.Before you settle on a policy, you should shop around to find the best quote, as some insurers will offer lower rates for the same amount of coverage. One easy way to do this is by using the
Jerry
app, where you can see quotes from over 50 different insurance companies and find one that works for you—for free.When you purchase your insurance, you’ll need to provide some information. Your insurer may ask for things like:
- Your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number
- Your driver’s license or other details about your driving history
- Your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Other information about your car, such as mileage, registration information, and date of purchase
- Your payment method or bank information
Having these details and documents on hand will help make the process go smoothly.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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