If you’re shopping for car insurance on your own—without using an agent—it’s important to know what to ask. This is where most people err in their car insurance buying journey. There is nothing wrong with shopping for your insurance online. The problem is most people don’t know what they are buying. If you don’t what questions to ask, you may not know what to look for and consequently find yourself with inadequate coverage come claim time. This could cost you a lot of money.
This guide will walk you through the key questions to ask so you can make an informed decision and find the right coverage for your needs.
1. What coverage types do I need?
There are several parts to a car insurance policy. Make sure you ask about:
- Liability Coverage – Required in most states. Covers damage or injuries you cause to others. The very minimum you should ask for are Bodily Injury Liability Limits of $100,000/$300,000. Property Damage, $100,000. If you own a home or have more assets to protect, the minimum liability that you should carry is $250,000/$500,000.
- Comprehensive Coverage – Pays for damage from theft, vandalism, weather, or hitting an animal.
- Full Glass Coverage – This will pay to repair or replace the glass on your vehicle. Not all states offer this additional glass coverage. This is the most common claim.
- Collision Coverage – Pays for damage to your car from an accident, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay) – Helps with medical bills after an accident.
Ask: What coverages are included in the quote? What’s missing?
2. What are the liability limits?
Liability coverage pays for damages you cause in an accident. Each state has minimum limits, but those limits often aren’t enough.
Ask:
- What are the state minimum limits?
- What are my options to increase them?
- What would it cost to carry higher limits like $100,000/$300,000 or $250,000/$500,000?
- Does this include towing coverage?
- Does this include Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage?
3. What’s my deductible?
The deductible is what you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in for a claim.
Ask:
- What’s the deductible on my comprehensive and collision coverage?
- How does raising or lowering the deductible affect my premium?
- What discounts do I have?
- What other discounts are available?
4. Does the policy include rental car coverage?
If your car is in the shop after a covered claim, you may need a rental.
Ask:
- Is rental reimbursement included?
- If not, how much does it cost to add it?
5. Do I qualify for any discounts?
Most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts.
Ask about:
- Multi-vehicle or multi-policy discounts
- Safe driver or accident-free discounts
- Good student discounts (for young drivers)
- Telematics or usage-based discounts
- Paid-in-full or autopay savings
6. What’s the claims process like?
Not all companies handle claims the same. It’s important to know what happens if you ever need to use your coverage.
Ask:
- How do I file a claim?
- Are claims handled locally or through a national center?
- Can I choose my repair shop?
7. Is roadside assistance included?
Some policies include towing, battery jump-starts, or lockout service. It can be a helpful add-on.
Ask:
- Is roadside assistance part of the policy or an optional coverage?
- What services are included?
8. Are there any exclusions I should know about?
It’s easy to assume something is covered when it may not be.
Ask:
- What is not covered under this policy?
- Are there any restrictions I should know about (e.g., business use, ride-sharing, custom parts)?
Final Thoughts
Buying car insurance on your own doesn’t mean you have to go it blind. Asking these questions will help ensure you’re getting real protection—not just the cheapest rate.
If you ever want help comparing options or understanding what a policy really covers, an independent insurance agent like Ameriguard Insurance is here to guide you through it. Reach us anytime at 763-767-0522.