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How do I determine my car insurance coverage?

I'm about to buy a car and I'm trying to research what kind of insurance coverage I need. How do I figure that out?

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Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Determining your car insurance coverage is a big step in buying insurance, and the number of options can be overwhelming. Here are some things to think about when you’re buying your new policy.
First, research
your state’s minimum requirements
, as well as any insurance requirements dictated by your lender, if you have a car loan.
If you can afford it, don’t just go with the minimum, though! Do your research to be sure your policy will fully cover you, your passengers, and other drivers in the event of an accident.
Next, take a look at your assets. This could mean your car, things inside of your car, your home, your savings, your business, or anything else that you feel needs protection. Keep in mind that, if you get into an accident and your policy doesn’t cover all of the damages, you’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket.
After you figure out your coverage, you’ll need to shop around to find the best rates. The easiest way to do this is by using the
Jerry
app! Jerry will collect quotes for you in a matter of minutes so you can compare prices from over 50 top insurance companies.
Make sure you don’t just choose a company based on rates, though. Before you settle on an insurer, check out their reviews. Make sure that their hours of operation, customer service, and claims payout records will all work for you. Once you’ve found an insurer that meets all of your criteria, Jerry can sign you up—and, if necessary, help to cancel your old policy, too.
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WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
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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