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Auto

Understand your auto insurance and the factors that can affect your coverage, cut down on claims and find more auto insurance tips and resources.

Tips for smart drivers and families

Pointers to keep you and your family safe and insured behind the wheel.
  • Avoiding auto theft

    Avoiding auto theft

    Don't become another victim of auto theft. Protect your car and your investment by following these suggestions.
  • Buyer beware hurricane

    Buyer beware of post-hurricane vehicles

    You can probably find a great deal on a used vehicle, if you don't mind that it's been through a hurricane or other flood-related disaster.
  • Buying a safe car

    Buying a safe car

    Buyers look for a number of factors when shopping for a new vehicle. But safety should never be overlooked when comparing vehicles.
  • insurance rates for teen drivers

    Insurance rates for teen drivers

    Insuring your teen can be expensive. Keep in mind these ways to control costs-and protect your son or daughter.
  • Keep your teen safe

    Keep your teen safe on the road

    Make sure your children are driving safe, reliable vehicles. Here are some tips for picking a safe vehicle for your child:
  • Motorcycle safety

    Motorcycle safety tips

    Here are a few simple precautions to help protect you and your bike.
  • Responsible parents

    Responsible parents help keep teen drivers safe

    Driving and insurance experts agree: parents can play a big role in helping their teens stay safe.
  • Safe driving tips

    Safe driving tips

    Depending on where you live, auto owners with good driving records and safer cars could enjoy lower auto insurance premiums.
  • Winter holiday

    Winter holiday driving tips

    It's important to use good judgment and drink responsibly when traveling to and from winter holiday celebrations.

Answers to your questions

Yes. Nearly every state requires drivers to have auto liability insurance, and all states have financial responsibility laws that require you to have enough assets to pay claims if you cause an accident (if you don't have enough assets, you must purchase liability insurance). Penalties for not complying with these laws include fines, driver's license revocation and up to a year in jail for the first offense.

Your agent can help you determine the amount of coverage that's best for you. As mentioned above, you will likely need coverage to protect yourself from liability costs. You may also buy auto insurance that covers the repair or replacement of your vehicle and its contents in a variety of circumstances, including being hit by someone who's uninsured or underinsured.

Many factors influence the price of your auto insurance, including:

  • Your driving record
  • How often and how far you drive each year
  • Where you live
  • Your age
  • Your car
  • Your Insurance Bureau Score
  • The amount of coverage you purchase.

If you loan your car to a friend, he or she will be covered under your auto insurance policy. However, such practices are discouraged because any accidents could affect your future policy premiums.