Our team believes you can make wise choices on the auto insurance you actually need by understanding car insurance and learning about the various auto insurance coverages.
You can reference the car insurance definitions below as general information when reviewing your plan. Keep in mind that policy limits and restrictions apply. We recommend looking further into each coverage type by reading your policy jacket.
In the end, your policy will always win if there is confusion between terms. Our insurance brokers would be glad to walk you through the car insurance definitions for clarification.
Bodily Injury Liability
Bodily injury liability coverage kicks in if you cause a car crash that harms someone in the other vehicle. In Arizona, the state minimum is $25,000 per person injured, up to $50,000 per accident.
Property Damage Liability
Your insurance carrier will pay for any cosmetic, engine, and other damages on the opposing car that the officer deemed you at fault for. This coverage applies when you cause damage to someone else’s property as a result of an auto accident.
In Arizona, the state minimum is $15,000 per accident.
Medical
Any losses from the car accident due to injury, including lost earnings and ambulance rides, are included in medical coverage. They will ensure you receive compensation for recovery and pay for any income you could have earned. That’s why it is important to learn the car accident terminology.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist – Bodily Injury
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage comes into play for injuries another driver causes that they cannot pay for with insurance. This coverage covers only liability and not property damage.
Some vehicle owners may not carry auto insurance and do not have a policy that covers you in case of an accident.
For this reason, I highly recommend property damage limits above state minimums since uninsured and underinsured motorists on the other person’s policy will not cover any gaps in coverage if you are responsible for the damage to someone else’s property.
Comprehensive
Covering theft, vandalism, fire, and damages not related to collision, comprehensive insurance protects your car in all scenarios.
In Arizona, comprehensive always covers windshields, either with the comprehensive deductible or a zero dollar deductible if extra is paid.
Collision
When you crash your car into another vehicle or structure, collision insurance coverage will protect your car. You have the opportunity to get money to repair your vehicle, unlike Arizona’s minimum coverage insurance.