Car Insurance Coverage
Quotes are not available for risks located in AK, FL, HI and LA.
Travel protection is offered by our trusted partner, Travel Insured International, through InsuraMatch, LLC, a Travelers-owned insurance agency.
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Pet insurance is offered by our trusted partner, PTZ Insurance Agency, Ltd through its ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance program via InsuraMatch, LLC, a Travelers-owned insurance agency.
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Motorcycle insurance is offered by our trusted partners, through InsuraMatch, LLC, a Travelers-owned insurance agency.
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Flood insurance is offered by our trusted partner, Neptune Flood, through InsuraMatch, LLC, a Travelers-owned insurance agency.
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What types of car insurance coverage are available?
Auto insurance includes coverages such as liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection and medical payments coverage.
Each coverage is for a different type of loss, and most policies include several of them depending on your state’s requirements and your individual needs.
Each coverage is subject to the limits selected for your policy.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage can cover injuries to other people and damage to their property if you cause an accident for which you are legally responsible. It’s required in most states and includes bodily injury and property damage liability.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage can cover damage to your vehicle when it hits another car or object or gets hit by another car. It’s generally required if your car is financed or leased. It’s also worth considering for vehicles where repair costs could be significant.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage can cover damage to your vehicle that isn’t caused by a collision. That can include theft, vandalism, hitting an animal, severe weather and certain natural disasters. Lenders typically require this coverage if you are financing or leasing your vehicle. It’s worth considering even without a lender requirement if you’d have trouble covering a major loss out of pocket.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can cover your damages and medical costs when an accident is caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage. You and any family members who live with you can be covered if you are driving or if you are a pedestrian. Some states require it; in others, it’s optional coverage.
Personal injury protection (PIP insurance)
Personal injury protection, also called PIP insurance or “no-fault” insurance, can cover medical expenses after an accident regardless of who caused it. In some cases, it also can cover lost wages and other damages. It’s required in certain states and not available in some others, so whether it’s part of your policy depends in part on where you live. If it’s available and optional in your state, it’s worth considering if you want broader coverage for medical costs after an accident.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage can cover medical costs for you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident, no matter who’s at fault. It can also cover medical costs if you’re hit as a pedestrian. Unlike PIP insurance, medical payments coverage is focused specifically on medical expenses and doesn’t extend to lost wages or other damages. Availability varies by state.
Loan/lease gap insurance
Loan/lease gap insurance, also known as gap insurance, can cover the difference between your car’s actual cash value and your remaining loan or lease balance if your vehicle is totaled. It’s especially useful in the early years of financing or leasing, when you may owe more than the car is worth.
Optional coverages for extra protection
Beyond the core coverages, you can add optional protections for specific situations your typical policy may not address. These range from roadside emergencies and total loss protection to coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance can help if you’re stranded due to a dead battery, flat tire, lockout or other car trouble. Travelers offers two levels of coverage: standard Roadside Assistance, with towing up to 15 miles, and Premier Roadside Assistance®, which extends towing up to 100 miles and adds trip interruption and personal property coverage.
Rental reimbursement
Rental reimbursement coverage, also known as extended transportation expenses coverage, can cover transportation costs if your car is damaged in a covered accident and can’t be driven. This can include rental cars, public transportation and other transportation expenses.
Premier New Car Replacement®
Premier New Car Replacement from Travelers can cover the cost of replacing a new car with a brand-new car of the same make and model if it is totaled in a covered loss within the first five years of ownership. This coverage package also can include loan/lease gap coverage and a lower deductible for certain glass-only losses. Loan/lease gap coverage may cover the difference between what the vehicle is worth and the amount still owed on the loan or lease.
Accident Forgiveness
Accident Forgiveness can protect your premium after an at-fault accident. Part of the Travelers Responsible Driver PlanSM, it forgives one accident within a specified period so an isolated accident doesn’t affect your rate. This coverage is not available in all states, including California.
Named non-owner insurance
Named non-owner insurance provides auto insurance coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle. Depending on the policy, it may include liability coverage and other protections for the driver and passengers. For example, it’s worth considering if you frequently rent cars or drive a company vehicle for personal use.
Limited ride-sharing coverage
A ride-sharing endorsement provides limited coverage for drivers who use their personal vehicle to transport passengers or property for a fee. It generally applies from the time you’re available for hire until you accept a ride request, helping to fill a gap that typical car insurance policies generally don’t cover. If you drive for a ride-sharing service, talk to your independent agent or Travelers representative about whether this endorsement makes sense for you. This coverage is not available in all states, including California.
What is covered under auto insurance?
Auto insurance can cover vehicle damage, medical costs and legal expenses, depending on the coverages you carry. Your policy’s deductible, limits and your state’s requirements all affect how much it pays and when.
Deductibles and limits
A deductible is the amount you are responsible for out of pocket before your insurance coverage applies after a covered loss. A coverage limit is the maximum your policy will pay for a covered claim. For example, if you have a $1,000 deductible and a covered loss causes $2,000 in damage, you are responsible for the first $1,000 on your own, subject to your policy terms. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium but increases what you pay out of pocket after a covered loss.
Your local independent agent or Travelers representative can help you choose the deductible and limits that fit your needs.
What is required?
Car insurance requirements vary by state, but most states require at least liability coverage. Some states also require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or personal injury protection. If your car is financed or leased, your lender will typically require collision and comprehensive coverage as well.
When do you need car insurance?
Car insurance is typically required any time you register and drive a vehicle on public roads. Most states require proof of insurance before you can legally drive, and lenders and leasing companies require it before you can finance or lease a vehicle. Having the coverage you need in place from the start helps you stay protected and compliant.
Choosing the auto coverage you need
Choosing the car insurance you need starts with understanding your situation. Life moments like buying a new car, moving or adding a driver to your policy are all good opportunities to review your coverage and make sure it still fits your needs.
Buying or leasing a new car may change the types of coverage you need. Lenders and leasing companies typically require collision and comprehensive coverage. Gap protection is worth considering for a financed or leased vehicle. It’s also a good time to think about optional coverages like Premier New Car Replacement and Roadside assistance.
Your life stage may shape what car insurance coverage makes sense for you. A younger driver just starting out may need different protections than someone who has paid off their car. Someone who drives less frequently may not need the same level of coverage as a daily commuter. Taking a fresh look at your coverage from time to time can help make sure it still reflects your situation.
Moving to a new state can change your car insurance requirements. Some states require coverages that others don’t, like personal injury protection or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Review your policy before or shortly after your move to make sure you meet your new state’s requirements.
Adding a driver to your policy can affect both your coverage needs and your premium. It’s a good time to review your liability limits and ask your agent about options like Accident Forgiveness, which can help protect your premium if the new driver has an at-fault accident.
How auto coverages work together
Auto coverages work together because each one addresses a different type of loss or expense. Depending on what happens, more than one coverage may apply, with each addressing a different part of the loss.
Core coverage combinations
Liability, collision and comprehensive coverage form the foundation of most car insurance policies. Liability coverage can cover your legal and financial responsibility to others if you cause an accident. Collision coverage can cover damage to your own vehicle. Comprehensive coverage can cover damage that isn’t caused by a collision. Together, they address the most common situations drivers face.
Protecting against the unexpected
Additional coverages address situations that liability, collision and comprehensive don’t cover. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage steps in when the other driver can’t cover your damages. PIP and medical payments coverage can handle medical costs regardless of fault. Optional coverages like roadside assistance and extended transportation expenses coverage can help with breakdown-related services or transportation needs after a covered loss.
Get an auto insurance quote
Ready to explore your coverage options? Get an auto insurance quote online or contact your local independent agent or Travelers representative to talk through what coverages make sense for you.
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