Types of car insurance coverage
Automobile insurance is designed to help protect you, others involved in an accident and your car. Coverage requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s important to know what’s included in your policy, the policy limits, discounts you may qualify for and any optional coverages you may want to consider adding. Get a quote now.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage includes both bodily injury and property damage liability coverage and is required in most states. This coverage provides compensation for injuries to others and for the damage your vehicle does to another person’s property if you cause an accident.
If you’re found responsible for causing damages as a result of an accident, this coverage may pay up to the limit you select, and it can provide for a legal defense if you’re sued.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for damages and medical costs when an accident is caused by the driver of another car who has no or inadequate insurance coverage. You and any family members who live with you can be covered if you are driving or if you are a pedestrian. This coverage is required in some states – in some as combined coverage, in others as separate coverage for uninsured motorists and underinsured motorists.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if your car hits another car or object, gets hit by another car or if your vehicle rolls over. This coverage is generally required if your car is financed or leased.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision. For example, theft, vandalism, hitting a deer or other animal, storms and certain natural disasters.
Personal injury protection (PIP insurance)
PIP insurance, also known as “no-fault” insurance, is required in certain states. It pays medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages and other damages regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments coverage protects you and passengers in your vehicle who may be injured in an accident, no matter who is at fault. It also protects you as a pedestrian. Coverages vary by state.
Deductibles and limits
Your car insurance deductible is the amount you’ll be responsible for paying toward the amount of a loss before your car insurance coverage pays. The lower the deductible, the less you’ll pay out of pocket if an incident occurs. For example, if you choose a $1,000 deductible and have a covered loss that causes $2,000 in damage to your car, you would be responsible for the first $1,000.
Selecting a higher deductible may lower your premium. But it is important to choose a deductible you can afford in case of a loss. Talk to your local independent agent or Travelers representative about deductible options.
Your car insurance liability limits, also referred to as limit of liability, are the highest amounts your insurance will pay to another party if you are legally responsible for an accident. Choosing a higher limit provides more protection if an accident occurs.
Coverage limits may vary by coverage type and state. To learn more, visit our deductibles and limits page or talk with your local independent agent or Travelers representative.
Other coverages and features
Loan/lease gap insurance
Gap insurance, also known as loan/lease insurance, can help protect you if your vehicle is financed or leased. If your vehicle is totaled (deemed a total loss), this coverage may pay the difference between the actual cash value of the vehicle and the unpaid balance of the auto loan or lease.
Rental coverage
Rental reimbursement, also called extended transportation expenses coverage, can help pay for a rental car if your car is damaged in a covered accident and you can’t drive it for more than 24 hours.
Roadside assistance
Roadside Assistance is coverage you can add to your car insurance to help if you’re stranded because of car trouble (for example, a dead battery).
New car replacement
Premier New Car Replacement® pays to replace your new car with a new car of the same make and model if it’s totaled in the first five years you own it.
Accident forgiveness**
Accident Forgiveness is a feature of Travelers’ Responsible Driver PlanSM. It forgives one accident within a specified period, helping to protect you from premium increases due to isolated mishaps.
Limited ride sharing coverage**
This endorsement provides limited coverage for drivers who participate in ride sharing activities. A ride sharing activity can be described as someone who uses their vehicle to drive passengers or property for a fee. The endorsement applies to the stated coverage during the period of time when the driver is available for hire until the driver accepts a request for transportation of persons or property for a fee.
**Not available in all states including CA.
Named non-owner insurance
Named non-owner insurance is liability coverage for drivers who don’t own a vehicle. It can also include other coverages. If you frequently drive but don’t own a car, this coverage may help protect you and your passengers. You should consider it if you:
- Frequently rent vehicles
- Drive a company car and use it for personal use
- Borrow vehicles that are regularly available to you from other people
- Use car-sharing services
- Provide care for a person you don’t live with and drive their car
More about car insurance
Car insurance overview
It’s quick and easy to get a car insurance quote. When you hit the road, feel confident that you, your loved ones and your pockets are protected.
Ways to save
Find out how bundling multiple policies can reduce the cost of your monthly premium.
Car insurance FAQs
Find answers to many of the questions that you may have about car insurance.
Umbrella insurance
Umbrella insurance provides extra liability coverage that can help protect assets if a claim is made against your policy that exceeds the maximum amount of your primary coverage. It also can help cover defense costs, attorney fees and other charges associated with lawsuits.
Related products
Jewelry & valuable items coverage
From jewelry to collectibles, you may have more valuables than you realize. And your home insurance policy may not provide the coverage you need.
Home insurance
Protect your home the way it protects you by choosing the property insurance coverage that meets your needs.
Boat & yacht insurance
Knowing that you, your passengers and your vessel are protected can help you relax and enjoy your time on the water.
Prepare & Prevent
Insights to help you manage risks at home and on the road
Tips for Safe Driving
7 Common Car Accidents and How to Help Avoid Them
Knowing is half the battle, especially when it comes to insurance. Learn about common car accidents and how to help avoid them.
Car Insurance Tips & Resources
10 Ways to Save on Your Car Insurance
Car insurance is a necessary expense for many people, and there are a variety of ways to save. Here are 10 ways to save on your car insurance.
Tips for Safe Driving
How Telematics Can Help Improve Driver Safety
A telematics program like IntelliDrive® from Travelers can help you drive safely and save money on your auto insurance.
