An automobile insurance policy is an investment that offers financial protection to your assets in the event of unforeseen damage and to the occupants of the vehicle in the event of an automobile accident. 

This insurance is a contract between you and the insurer, which includes, among other things, coverage in case of theft, to repair the car in case of an accident and medical expenses.

Basic coverage is required for you to drive legally in The US, with the exception of Virginia and New Hampshire. 

In The US it’s mandatory that all vehicles have a Liability Car Insurance, to cover damages to third parties when you are responsible for causing an accident, but it doesn’t cover your own expenses or the damage to your car. This insurance includes the bodily injury liability and property damage liability. 

A bodily injury liability covers an at-fault driver, so they aren’t responsible for others' emergency and ongoing medical expenses, loss of income, or funeral costs, besides cover the policyholder’s legal fees when the accident results in a lawsuit; while a property damage liability helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing the vehicles of other drivers involved in the accident, in addition to other forms of property by the policyholder's vehicle.

Each state sets a minimum for how much liability coverage a motorist must have.

Thirteen US states (Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Utah, and Puerto Rico), require Personal Injury Protection (PIP or med-pay) insurance, which pays for personal injuries or medical expenses that you, your passengers or others may suffer in an accident. Its limits are slightly higher than liability insurance. 

It’s usually very useful when you live in states with a high population and vehicle density and medical expenses are high. The reason behind is to limit the number of personal injury lawsuits, court time taken up by such lawsuits and the amount of compensation which can be demanded in such lawsuits. 

The best auto insurance is the one that fits your financial budget, but also considers the risks you may be exposed to and your specific needs, so that you can protect yourself from the damage of an accident.

Depending on your risks, you may require insurance that includes collision coverage, a comprehensive coverage policy (theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, contact with animals or falling objects), insurance with medical payment coverage for all occupants, protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists, or take out a policy with towing and labor coverage when your car is stuck, broken down or inoperable, associated with common roadside breakdowns like dead batteries, flat tires or lockout.

Among the variables that will influence the cost of the policy are: the coverage, the type, model and brand of the car, number of miles driven per year, your age, and even your credit score, because insurers have found that people with poor credit tend to file more claims.

You should read the fine print of coverage conditions and exclusions. Auto insurance never covers accidents when there is an intake of alcoholic beverages, narcotics or when you do not have a driver’s license.

Additionally, explore the discounts offered by insurance companies, such as safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, and good student discounts. These discounts can significantly reduce your insurance premiums.

Comparing the services and coverage provided by different insurers is an excellent idea to choose the lowest price and the best benefits. Use the tools that the Internet has in your favor, and compare policies online, saving time and several calls or quotes requests. 

Websites and platforms offer comprehensive evaluations of rates across various insurance companies, allowing you to find the most competitive options. But try to find independent sites, not sponsored by any particular insurer, and don’t be push you to make a choice that will only favor the insurance companies.

Understanding a car insurance company's customer satisfaction ratings is vital. Look for providers with a strong reputation for customer service. Check for customer reviews and ratings to gauge the company's responsiveness, claims process, and overall customer experience. Additionally, consider the complaint levels against the insurance company. Prioritize providers with low levels of complaints.

Financial strength is another crucial factor to consider when choosing car insurance. Evaluate the financial ratings of insurance companies to ensure they are stable and capable of fulfilling their obligations in the event of a claim. Look for providers with high financial strength ratings from reputable rating agencies.

Jessymar Daneau Tovar (@letroupe)