The Pros and Cons of Getting More Than the State Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage
When it comes to car insurance, deciding how much coverage to get can be a difficult and complex decision.
Many drivers are tempted to just stick to the state minimum required coverage, but there are advantages and drawbacks to this approach.
Cost
When it comes to auto insurance, most states require drivers to carry a certain minimum level of coverage. But should you stick with the minimum coverage or consider getting more?
Here, we’ll weigh the pros and cons of buying extra coverage beyond what’s required by law.
One of the main benefits of buying more than the state minimum coverage is that it can provide better protection for your assets in case of an accident.
This extra protection may cover medical bills, property damage, and more depending on the coverage limits.
It can also help if you’re found at fault for an accident and need help paying for damages or medical bills for the other person involved.
The downside of getting more than the minimum coverage is that it will cost you more. Depending on the coverage you purchase, this could add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to your annual premiums.
It’s important to compare rates from different companies to find the best value. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how much coverage you feel comfortable with. Consider your financial situation, the value of your car, and your risk factors before deciding how much coverage is right for you.
For example, if you live in a rural area where there are few cars on the road, then you might not want to spend more money for higher liability coverage.
On the other hand, if you live in an urban area where there are many cars on the road and high speed driving can be common then you might want to get higher liability limits.
Benefits
When it comes to auto insurance, the question of whether or not to get more than the state minimum coverage is an important one. While the state minimum requirements can provide a baseline level of protection, they may not always be enough to cover all of your needs.
The most obvious benefit of getting more than the state minimum auto insurance coverage is that it provides you with additional protection in the event of an accident.
For example, if you are involved in a major collision and your damages exceed the coverage amount provided by the state minimum, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in expenses.
With additional coverage, you can rest assured that you won’t be faced with huge out-of-pocket expenses due to an accident.
Another advantage of having more than the state minimum auto insurance coverage is that it can provide you with peace of mind.
Knowing that you have extra protection in case of an accident can give you an added sense of security when behind the wheel.
Additionally, if you’re ever involved in an accident and face a lawsuit, having adequate coverage can help to protect your assets and provide some financial relief in a difficult time.
Finally, having more than the state minimum auto insurance coverage can also be beneficial in terms of discounts.
Most insurance companies offer discounts for those who purchase additional coverage, allowing them to save money on their premiums over time.
As you can see, there are many benefits to getting more than the state minimum auto insurance coverage.
Before making your decision, it’s important to consider your budget, driving history, and overall needs so that you can determine which coverage amount is right for you.
drawbacks
When it comes to auto insurance, the state minimum coverage is often just not enough. The state minimum coverage may be enough for someone who has an older vehicle and doesn’t drive often, but for most drivers it won’t provide enough protection.
But there are both pros and cons to getting more than the state minimum coverage for your auto insurance policy. Here are some of the drawbacks you should consider when deciding whether or not to purchase additional auto insurance coverage.
As with any type of insurance, you could get a much better deal if you have a perfect driving record.
However, even if you don’t want to buy anything other than the state minimum coverage, this does not mean that you will only be covered up to that amount.
There is still liability protection provided by the law (even if it is limited) so purchasing another form of insurance would actually offer little to no additional benefits in terms of what’s required by law.
Another drawback could be the time spent researching different types of coverage and quotes from different companies can take quite a bit time out of your day which might not seem like much at first but after many hours spent going back and forth between policies it can really start to take its toll on your patience.
If you are someone who prefers shopping online then the research process might not be as daunting. You could always shop for quotes online or use a service that sends multiple quote offers to your email inbox without ever having to leave your home.
Once again, however, there are pro’s and con’s to doing this as well – one being convenience. If you decide to do all of your car insurance shopping online then it means less time wasted standing around in line waiting for help at the counter – but it also means that you’re relying solely on information given by others which could potentially lead to mistakes being made because they’re too rushed or tired to focus correctly on their work.