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What type of insurance do I need as a first-time driver?

I'm purchasing my first vehicle and I don't know anything about car insurance. What type of insurance do I need?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Nearly every state has a legally mandated
minimum insurance requirement
, so you’ll need to have at least that amount of coverage to get behind the wheel.
However, minimum state
car insurance
doesn’t really cover much; it just makes you a legal driver. If you have the budget to increase your liability coverage, then you should.
Liability insurance limits are often listed as three numbers, such as 25/50/25. This denotes:
  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $25,000 for property damage liability per accident
To avoid paying out of pocket after an at-fault accident, you should consider getting higher liability limits, such as 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. Doing so will result in a slightly higher rate, but it will protect you in the long run from financial ruin and possible lawsuits.”
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