State Farm

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Auto Insurance Coverage Primer

Wondering what covers you and your vehicle in case of an accident? Wonder no more.
State Farm is there with the auto insurance coverage you need at a price you can afford — helping you in case of the unexpected.

 
  • What is a deductible?

    The deductible is the portion of a loss that is your responsibility. The deductible, when applicable, applies to each loss. Although deductibles vary, they are typically available in amounts such as $500 or $1000.

    For example, if you had a $500 deductible, you would need to pay $500 of the loss.

    Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase the amount you may have to pay out of your own pocket if a loss occurs. Ask yourself how much you are willing to pay on short notice in order to save on premium.

     
  • Who does my auto insurance policy cover?

    Your policy usually covers:

    • You and your spouse
    • Other relatives who live primarily in your household
    • Other licensed drivers who have permission to drive one of your covered vehicles.

    Coverages are broken down, according to purpose, but are generally combined into one policy.

     
  • Liability Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    You were distracted while backing out of a parking space and didn't see the car behind you until it was too late. You hit the car and you crashed through a fence too. Everyone in the other car seems fine, but the other driver and his passengers go to the emergency room just to make sure.
    Auto Liability pays damages due to bodily injury and property damage to others for which you are responsible.

    Auto Liability falls into two categories:

    • Bodily injury damages include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
    • Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use of property.

    If you are sued, it also pays your defence and court costs. Laws usually determine minimum amounts, but higher amounts are available.

    How much coverage do you need?

    Every province sets a minimum coverage level. Selecting more than the minimum coverage would increase your cost now but potentially give you more protection in case of an accident. Since it's impossible to know the most you'd have to pay if you were to cause an accident that resulted in bodily injury or property damage, be sure to take some time and consider whether you'd be able to afford any damages that exceed your insurance coverage. The higher your limits, the more likely it is that we'll be able to pay all of the damages for you. Limits higher than the province minimum might be the best choice for you.

    Personal Injury Protection

    This coverage is required in some (no-fault) provinces, it is optional in others. It pays you or your passengers, regardless of fault, for medical treatment due to a car accident. It may also pay for rehabilitation, lost earnings, replacement of services (child care if a parent is disabled, for example) and funeral expenses. Minimum amounts are usually set by provincial law.

     
  • Medical Payments Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    You were stopped at a red light when another car hit yours. You were injured. Medical Payments Coverage will pay reasonable and necessary medical and funeral expenses for covered persons.

    How much coverage do you need?

    This coverage is available in non-no-fault provinces and pays regardless of fault. Generally, $1,000 minimum amounts are offered; higher amounts are available. It may be supplemented with other coverages that pay for loss of earnings, total disability or death.

     
  • Collision Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    It's only a fender-bender, but the cost of the headlight, a new bumper, and a paint job can add up quickly. Collision Coverage will pay for damage to a covered vehicle caused by the following, subject to a deductible:

    • Collision with another vehicle
    • Collision with an object
    • A vehicle rollover

    How high should your deductible be?

    Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase the amount you'll have to pay out of your own pocket at the time of a loss. Ask yourself how much you're willing to pay when a loss occurs to save money on premiums.

     
  • Comprehensive Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    Who'd have thought that little hailstones could do so much damage? Your car is covered with dozens of dents. This coverage helps pay for loss of or damage to an insured vehicle, not caused by a collision or vehicle rollover. Typically, that's coverage for the following, and it may be subject to a deductible.

    • Fire
    • Wind
    • Hail
    • Flood
    • Vandalism
    • Theft
    • Hitting an animal

    How high should your deductibe be?

    Higher deductibles lower your premium but increase the amount you'll have to pay out of your own pocket in case of a loss. Ask yourself how much you're willing to pay when a loss occurs to save money on premiums.

     
  • Uninsured Motor Vehicle Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    It's a sad fact: There are people who drive without any liability insurance. What if you're injured in an accident caused by one of these drivers?

    Underinsured Motorist Coverage will pay for damages when an insured is injured or killed by another person who does not have liability insurance or by a hit-and-run driver. It will also cover damage to the insured’s automobile caused by an unidentified uninsured motorist.

    Should you get this coverage?

    Doing so lets you decide how much coverage is potentially available to pay for your covered damages when you are in an accident caused by an uninsured motor vehicle. Application of this coverage varies by province and depends upon policy provisions.

     
  • Underinsured Motor Vehicle Coverage

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    Many drivers carry low limits of liability coverage. What if you're injured in an accident caused by an underinsured driver? Underinsured Vehicle Coverage will pay for damages when you are injured in a car accident caused by another person who does not have sufficient liability insurance. Medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages are some examples of bodily injury damages.

    Should you get this coverage?

    Doing so lets you decide how much coverage is available for your covered damages when are you in an accident caused by an underinsured motor vehicle. Application of this coverage varies by province and depends upon policy provisions.

     
  • Car Rental

    How are you covered in case of an accident?

    Your car is in the shop after a collision. Rental Reimbursement pays the cost of renting a replacement vehicle so you don't have to interrupt your daily routine. Daily allowances or limits vary by province.

    Should you get this coverage?

    Consider how you'd get to work, school, or the store if your car were out of commission. If you depend on having a car available, could you afford to pay for a rental car yourself?

     
  • Emergency Road Service

    How are you covered?

    You're in the middle of nowhere. The last gas station was miles ago. Suddenly, all of your power goes. The car coasts to a stop. Emergency Road Service will reimburse you for fair costs associated with towing, a jumpstart, or other things you need to get on your way. Examples of other items typically covered includes repair of a flat tire or locksmith services to get into a covered vehicle if you're locked out. Coverage limits vary by province.

    Should you get this coverage?

    Consider how much you could afford to pay out of your own pocket if you were stranded.

     
  • Please remember that the above descriptions contain only a general description of available coverages and are not a statement of contract. All coverages are subject to all policy provisions and applicable endorsements. To learn more about auto insurance in your state, find a State Farm agent.

     

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