Optional Coverages

There are other types of auto insurance that are available in addition to the required coverages. This insurance can provide additional protection against financial losses resulting from an auto accident.

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage. "Collision" and "Comprehensive" coverages, which are also known as physical damage coverages, pay for repair or replacement of your auto regardless of who is at fault.

Collision coverage pays if your auto collides with most objects, including another car, or if it overturns. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your auto from almost all other causes such as fire, vandalism, water, hail, glass breakage, wind, and falling objects. It will pay even if your pet chews the upholstery. Comprehensive coverage also pays if your auto or parts of the auto, such as the battery or tires, are stolen. You will need physical damage coverage if you borrow the money to buy your car from a bank or some other financial institution.

If you own an automobile which is insured for comprehensive and collision coverages, your policy will extend those coverages to an automobile that you rent (on vacation, for example). If you rent a vehicle from a rental agency, you should read the rental agreement carefully before deciding whether to purchase the loss damage waiver or physical damage protection they offer. Your automobile insurance may not provide coverage for all your obligations under the rental agreement.

Medical Expense and Loss of Income Benefits Coverage - Medical Expense Benefits Coverage pays all reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses for you or others injured or killed in an accident while riding or driving in your auto. This includes hospital, surgical, rehabilitative, chiropractic, x-ray, dental, professional nursing, prosthetic, and funeral expenses. It will also cover you or members of your family if you are struck by an auto while walking or while riding in another auto. This coverage will pay for medical and funeral expenses even if you cause the accident. Usually, only expenses incurred within three years after the accident are included. This coverage will provide benefits to anyone, such as a carpool mate, a friend, or a neighbor's child injured in your car.

Loss of Income Benefits Coverage pays you, your family, or others in your auto for loss of income up to $100 per week for a period not to exceed 52 weeks.

Rental Reimbursement Coverage - You can buy coverage to reimburse you for the expense of renting a substitute vehicle if your auto is withdrawn from use for longer than 24 hours and the withdrawal is caused by a collision or by a comprehensive loss as defined in your policy. Comprehensive losses are usually fire and theft. Ask your company or agent about available coverage and limits.

Insurance companies are required, by law, to notify you that rental reimbursement coverage is available for autos insured for comprehensive or collision coverage.

Loss of Use Coverage - You can also buy coverage to reimburse you for the expense of paying a rental car agency for the loss of use of its rental car as a result of an accident. This provides coverage in the event that you are required by contract to reimburse the rental car agency for its loss of rental income while the car you have damaged is being repaired.