Every year, more cars hit the highways. With so many vehicles on the road, crashes can happen. Car insurance can be the difference between a small setback and a major trial. But why do you need to own insurance and exactly how much should you purchase? Auto insurance provides you with protection from paying for injury or damage you inflict on others while you are driving, damage to your vehicle or injury to you or your passengers from a crash, and certain other situations, such as robbery. Without insurance, you risk having to pay the full price of any harm or injury you cause others. Liability: Personal injury and property damage that you are responsible for will be paid for under this type of insurance. Bodily injury damages can include medical fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use of property. It can also cover your defense and court costs if you are sued. State laws typically require minimum amounts, but higher amounts are available and usually recommended. Personal Injury Protection: This is mandated 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. State government typically sets minimum amounts. Medical Payments: Medical payment coverage is available in non-no-fault states and will pay regardless of who is responsible for an accident. All necessary medical or funeral expenses will be covered under this insurance policy. Collision: This pays for damages to your vehicle caused by an accident. Comprehensive: This applies if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by causes other than a collision, including fire, wind, hail, flood or vandalism. Uninsured Motorist: If you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver, this type of insurance coverage will make sure you are covered. Under-Insured Motorist: Similar to uninsured coverage, this type of insurance protects you against people driving without enough insurance coverage. Other types of coverage, including emergency road service and car rental, can also be purchased. Your auto insurance payments varies based on the company and will depend on several factors, such as: * What coverage you select * The make and model of the vehicle you drive * Whether or not you have been in an accident * Your age, gender and marital status * Where you live Many people consider auto insurance to be a necessary evil, but it can rescue your finances. Evaluate your needs, research your options, and with the help of your insurance agency, choose the option that best suits you. State Farm Clermont