What does car insurance cover?

Your auto insurance policy is made up of several coverages that protect you in different situations. But exactly what does car insurance cover anyway? We’ll help you get to know all these coverages and what they protect, so you can choose the right ones.

Coverage basics

A typical car insurance policy covers medical expenses, bodily injury liability and property damage liability. When you buy your auto insurance policy, you can choose your coverage limits. A limit is the maximum dollar value that your insurance company will pay under that coverage. Higher limits mean higher premiums, but more coverage for you.

Full coverage

Having “full coverage” means you have collision and comprehensive coverage in addition to your liability coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverages help pay for damages to your car. They’re optional coverages, but may be required by the lender if you finance or lease your car.

Minimum and mandatory insurance

Each state has their own minimum insurance coverage requirements. Even in states where car insurance isn’t mandatory, there are still minimum requirements for coverage if you choose to have it.

Buying the minimum coverage may not be enough to cover your liability or losses in the event of an accident.

Having only the minimum coverage requirements means paying more out of pocket in the event of an accident where the costs exceed the minimum limits. It may give you the cheapest premiums, but those savings might be negated if you’re liable for injury or damages.

It’s important to understand your coverages and what your insurance needs are. Speak with a friendly Plymouth Rock insurance expert to talk about what’s the right car insurance coverage for you.

Types of car insurance coverages

Auto liability coverage pays for damage and injury to others after an accident. There are two main components of auto liability coverage: bodily injury and property damage.

Bodily injury coverage protects you if you’re held responsible for injuring someone in a car accident.

Property damage coverage helps reimburse another person for their damaged property (such as a car, fence, or a building) if you are held responsible for damaging someone else’s property in a car accident.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage helps pay medical costs and other related expenses when you or one of your passengers is injured in an accident caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough car insurance (is underinsured) or who doesn’t have any coverage (is uninsured). This coverage may also pay for injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident.

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage NOT related to a collision with another vehicle. This includes things like fire, theft, vandalism or fallen tree.

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost to repair or replace your car after if it hits another car or an object, is hit by another car, or if it rolls over while driving.

Medical benefits coverage can help pay medical expenses for you or your passengers after an accident. Learn what medical benefits cover in your state.

Who is covered?

You, household members listed on your policy and passengers in a covered car will be covered by your policy.

If you let a friend or someone not listed on your policy operate your car, their liability will be covered under your policy unless they have their own insurance.

In general, damages to your car will be covered by your own collision coverage. Property damage liability and bodily injury liability will be covered by the driver’s own insurance, if applicable.

Scenarios for filing a claim

Different parts of your auto insurance policy cover different situations. That’s why it’s important to understand which coverages apply in which situations. Here are a few claims scenarios and what coverages you need for them:

Accidents

If you get into an accident with another vehicle, your medical benefits coverage will help pay your injuries and medical expenses. Your liability coverages will help protect you if you are responsible for injuries to others or damages to other’s vehicles.

Collision coverage can help pay for physical damage to your vehicle if you’re involved in a covered accident.

Hail, tree and other damage

Whether your car suffers damage due to hail or a tree branch falling on it, you’ll be covered if you have comprehensive coverage.

Hit and run

If you become the victim of a hit and run incident, your injuries may be covered with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Damage to your car can be covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage in some circumstances, and can also be covered under collision coverage.

You should report the accident to law enforcement within 24 hours or as soon possible. Try to identify the vehicle, as well as the operator to the best of your ability.

Theft

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your car, but it also covers theft of the car  itself. Ensure the car was actually stolen, and not towed or borrowed without your permission.

What does the claims process look like

1. File your Claim
   Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by phone.
2. Assignment and Tracking of the Claim
   After you report your auto insurance claim, you’ll receive a claim a number. We’ll also assign you a friendly personal representative to walk you through your policy coverage.
3. Damage Evaluation
   If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these super-convenient options to get you back on the road:
   • CarPics® Photo Appraisals
     Submit your eligible claim* quickly and easily by submitting photos from your phone. Receive your estimate in a few hours, and you may even get paid that same day.
   • Crashbusters Mobile Claim Service
     Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
   • Door to Door Valet Claim Service
     Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
4. Have your car repaired
   If you get repairs from one of our 100% Guaranteed Repair Shops, we’ll guarantee the work for as long as you own or lease your car.
5. Receive your claim settlement
   Based on your situation, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to the repair shop. We may reimburse you directly via Zelle, direct deposit to your bank account or a paper check in the mail. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.

Whether you need to protect your car, motorcycle or home, Plymouth Rock is there for you. Our insurance experts can help answer any questions about coverage and guide you through the claims process.

The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a statement of contract. Actual coverage is subject to the language of the policies as issued by your insurer. Certain restrictions and limitations may apply. Review your policy and consult with a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage.

*Vehicle must be drivable after the accident to qualify

PA RESIDENTS: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL A PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE ADVERTISED HEREIN.