Car insurance is a must for any driver. No matter what type of car you own or how often you use it, you definitely need coverage. In 48 of the 50 states, getting auto insurance is the law and, aside from the legal side of things, you definitely want to be prepared if the worst happens and you have an accident. But what is the best insurance? What type of coverage do you need? This list will help you find out.

General auto insurance policies will provide you with bodily injury liability coverage or protection against property damage in the event of an accident. Then there are other types of specialized insurance. This can cover damage to your private vehicle from a variety of causes (collision coverage), accidents with uninsured or uninsured drivers, in addition to medical expenses incurred from accidents. Some auto insurance companies even have comprehensive auto insurance coverage options that can include roadside assistance or that can be combined with homeowner's insurance (if you own a home). Depending on the insurance you get, you may have a cap or full comprehensive coverage, although most states require all drivers to have at least liability insurance.

Covered costs can add up to a car insurance quote for an uninsured or uninsured driver. Having comprehensive coverage can help keep out-of-pocket costs associated with auto insurance premiums under control. Keep in mind that your monthly auto insurance policy premium does not usually cover wear and tear on the car, damage caused by driving under the influence or by drivers not included in the car insurance policy, and motor damage like result of an oil leak.

There are an estimated 300 auto insurance companies in the United States, ranging from those operating nationwide to smaller companies. So sorting through your insurance provider options to locate the best auto insurance companies and deals can be overwhelming. Before you commit to a car insurance rate with a statewide insurance company, it's worth checking to see if you have any options for well-reviewed statewide insurance providers in your area.

 “Once you have a clear idea of ​​how you use your car and your priorities, you are ready to buy insurance,” says Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications for the Insurance Information Institute. "In general, it is a good idea to compare policies from at least three different insurance companies. You will need to consider key factors such as coverage and price."

It is also worth delving into the history of the insurance company. "Be sure to review the company's claims processing before purchasing insurance," says Dan Carr, CEO and founder of ValChoice. "Insurance not paying a claim was a waste of money at any cost."

There are also many things that are included in your auto insurance policy. The auto insurance quote for "standard coverage" can include factors such as bodily injury liability, property damage, accident tolerance, and roadside assistance. Having a teen driver on your insurance policy can also affect your premium. Then there is gap insurance or personal injury liability insurance coverage and more. "Also review potential policies for secondary options that could be beneficial, such as glass padding, which is often not discounted, or paying for a rental car," says Ruiz. How do all of these stack up as you try to choose the car insurance coverage that suits you best?

"Try comparing apples to apples when choosing your insurance policy," says Ruiz. "All the policies you review should have the same types and amounts of coverage. It's difficult to compare policies, for example, if one person provides $ 50,000 for property damage liability, another only $ 30,000, and a third $ 100,000." Understanding what insurance coverage includes will help you make the best decision for your particular situation, but where do you start?

You can dig into each auto insurance company's website to better understand their level of coverage, but we make it easy for you to find the best auto insurance coverage for you by narrowing down the list. We've selected the top 10 insurance companies in the country, primarily based on public satisfaction, as measured by the 2019 JD Power US Auto Insurance Study. The study measures five criteria: commitment, policy offerings, price , billing and claims process. 42,759 customers surveyed from February to April 2019.

Geico was the highest-scoring auto insurance policy overall, reporting high levels of customer satisfaction across all regions of the country and making it the # 1 auto insurance company in the United States. This insurance company is also routinely ranked among the cheapest auto insurance coverage providers (and the premium is a great cost), which certainly contributes to satisfaction.

However, your auto insurance rates will ultimately be determined by personal factors, such as where you live, your credit score (for the best rates, a credit score of 770 or higher is recommended), and the type of vehicle. you drive, also as you go. In age and if you have had an accident in your driving record. The good news is that you can actually lower your insurance coverage costs by maintaining a safe driving record or working on your credit score, or your average score.

Also, depending on your insurance provider, you can combine your auto insurance policy with life insurance, home insurance, or renter's insurance, among others. As mentioned above, there are many factors that go into what is called "standard coverage" and auto insurance rates, and they all depend on the type of insurance product you are looking for.

"For young drivers, there are discounts for taking driver certification courses and maintaining a higher B GP rating," says Carr. "Many discounts are vehicle dependent, including safety features such as remote engine shutdown, antilock brakes and luggage bags. There are also discounts for storing a car in a garage. Many insurance companies offer discounts for insuring multiple cars with the same company and owning Home and home insurance through the same company. "

When you find a solution, Ruiz explains how you can do your due diligence: “First, verify that the insurance company is licensed in your state by visiting the website of your state's department of insurance, where you can also review information about insurance claims. Consumers filed against insurance companies. However, you can check review websites and talk to friends about your experiences with insurance companies. Lastly, take a few minutes to make sure potential insurers are in good financial shape. The financial rating agencies will provide this information. Online tools often provide rating information. As well ".

5 things to know before signing up for car insurance

1. What type of coverage does your state legally require you to have? In most states, bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is essential for driving, but you'll want to check premium details with auto insurance providers where you live.

2. What type of coverage do you want? Most auto insurance companies offer many different policies with various coverage options that cover a variety of damages and risks, so your first step should be to identify the risks and how to compensate for them.

3. What are the best auto insurance companies? We have covered this in detail.

4. It is important to shop around. Even the cheapest car insurance company may not offer the best car insurance rates for someone in your situation. Also, you may want a more comprehensive plan that makes more sense from another auto insurance company.

5. What payment plan is best for you? Some companies offer a variety of payment methods (for example, yearly or monthly, or by electronic funds transfer), so that you can find out which one is best for you and then apply.