Liability coverage is the basic protection all motorists need. Most states require drivers to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage to help pay for damages in the event of an accident. Keep in mind, however, that this minimum coverage amount may not be enough protection if you cause an accident, especially if the incident involves damage to multiple vehicles, multiple injured persons, or damage to expensive vehicles.

Liability coverage includes payment up to a set amount for bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury coverage pays for costs for another person’s injuries if you cause an accident. Property damage will pay for damage your vehicle causes to another person’s property.

While your basic auto insurance will not help to pay for your injuries, uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage can cover this and may be able to help pay for repairs for your vehicle. This coverage kicks in when you are in an accident and the driver at fault has no auto insurance or does not have enough coverage to pay for your injuries or damages. Some states require uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

This is the coverage that you need if you are concerned about paying for repairs to your vehicle. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, such as an accident or if you run into something. Your insurance will pay up to the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus the deductible.

Comprehensive coverage will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged due to a covered event, such as theft, vandalism and fire. This coverage pays up to the actual cash value of your vehicle.

Liability pays for bodily injury to others. Medical payments coverage helps to pay for the medical bills of you and your passengers if you are involved in an accident.

Like medical payments coverage, personal injury protection helps to pay your medical costs. In addition, it can help to pay for costs related to your injury, such as lost income or childcare expenses.