What Are the Six Basic Car Insurance Coverage Options?

The six basic car insurance coverage options include bodily injury liability coverage, property damage liability coverage, medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, comprehensive coverage, collision coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

How Can I Get a Quote for Basic Auto Insurance?

You can get a quote for basic auto insurance online or by calling The Hartford at 888-546-9099. The Hartford offers customizable policy options to ensure you have the right coverage.

What Is Basic Auto Insurance Coverage?

Q: What Is Basic Auto Insurance Coverage?

Basic auto insurance coverage typically includes enough protection to meet state or lender requirements. It helps protect against liability claims, comprehensive or collision damage, and medical expenses after an accident.

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Key Takeaways

Basic coverage for car insurance will typically include enough protection to meet any requirements you may have in your state or through your lender.
There are standard coverages included in most basic auto insurance policies to help protect against liability claims, comprehensive or collision damage, or medical expenses after an accident.
The Hartford offers customizable coverage options so you can increase your level of protection. That way, you’ll have less out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim.

What Is Basic Auto Insurance Coverage?

Many people wonder, “How much car insurance do I need?” The answer is, it depends.

First, all state car insurance minimum coverage requirements can vary. So, if you’re looking for basic vehicle insurance, how much protection that includes will depend on where you live.

Second, basic coverage car insurance might meet state requirements and could help keep monthly costs down, but it may not provide as much financial protection when you need it most.

Ultimately, your car insurance policy is based on your unique needs, whether you choose to have basic auto coverage or take advantage of additional benefits. If you need help deciding or want to learn more about your specific state requirements, The Hartford’s car insurance calculator can help you make an informed decision.

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Which State Do You Drive In?

Why Do We Ask This?

States have requirements for how much car insurance coverage drivers must have. The minimum required amount can vary for bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

Do You Own, Finance or Lease Your Vehicle?

Why Do We Ask This?

If you lease or finance your car, the lender or leasing company typically has coverage requirements and may have to be named on the policy.

When It Comes To Insurance, What Matters Most?

Paying a lower cost

Getting the most protection

Why Do We Ask This?

Everyone has different needs for car insurance. If you want to pay less for coverage, you'll have higher out-of-pocket costs with a claim. If you want the most protection, you'll pay more for coverage but have lower out-of-pocket costs with a claim.

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6 Basic Car Insurance Coverage Options

When choosing an auto insurance policy, it’s important to understand the basic coverages included, your car insurance options and how they work together to protect you.

AARP^® Auto Insurance from The Hartford¹ helps protect you, your car and passengers with these six basic auto insurance coverages.

1. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage

Bodily injury liability insurance can help pay legal expenses if you cause an accident that injures another person. So, if you rear-end another car and the passengers need to go to the hospital, this policy can help pay for their medical expenses. It can also help pay for lost wages if they can’t go back to work because of an injury from the car accident.

2. Property Damage Liability Coverage

Property damage liability insurance can help pay to repair or replace damaged property after a car accident. For example, it can cover damages to houses, offices or other vehicles.

3. Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Coverage

Medical payments coverage can help pay for medical expenses for you, your passengers and your family members after a car accident, including:²

Treatment
Rehabilitation
Funeral costs
Dental care

Keep in mind that this coverage isn’t available in every state. So, you may also want to get personal injury protection (PIP) to help pay for your medical expenses after a car collision. This insurance can help regardless of who is at fault for the accident.

If you’re looking for AARP car insurance benefits, The Hartford offers the only national auto insurance program endorsed by AARP. Get expert advice on coverage options and ways to save by calling The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

4. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage can help pay for damages to your vehicle that are out of your control, like:

Fire
Wind
Hail
Theft
Vandalism
Hitting a deer

5. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damages to your car if you’re in an accident with:

Another vehicle
Another object, like a guardrail or embankment
Only your vehicle, like a rollover

6. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for injuries to you and your passengers if you’re hit by a driver that doesn’t have enough coverage or insurance. There are three types of this coverage:

Uninsured motorist property damage covers damage to your car if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance. It also covers hit-and-run incidents.
Uninsured motorist bodily injury helps pay medical expenses for you and your passengers if you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Underinsured motorist helps cover the cost if you’re in an accident with a driver that doesn’t have enough insurance.

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Get a Quote for Basic Auto Insurance

For over 40 years, AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford has helped protect AARP members and their loved ones with customizable policy options that won’t break the bank. Get a car insurance quote online today or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 to get the right coverage for you.