Updated December 3, 2019 . AmFam Team
If you own a car, you probably understand the importance of protecting it with auto insurance, whether it’s just the minimum required by your state or a more robust policy designed to protect against a wide range of situations. But even if you’ve got car insurance, you might still find the policy information complicated or frustrating to understand. That's why we’re here with all the details to help you break down the specifics of auto insurance and help you gain confidence in your coverage.
Why Do You Need Car Insurance?
What Are the Benefits of Having Car Insurance?
What Are the Different Types of Car Insurance?
What Does Auto Insurance Cover?
How Are Car Insurance Premiums Calculated?
What Causes Car Insurance Rate Increases?
Car insurance is the agreement between you and an insurer that protects you from financial repercussions as a result of a collision. In other words, it keeps you off the hook for potentially costly expenses as a result of an accident.
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Insurance is a way of transferring risk. For example, if you make a big purchase, like a new car or home, and you take out a loan, your lender wants to be sure that your vehicle or home is financially protected from potential damage.
How do they make sure of this? They protect their investment by requiring you to purchase insurance. The cost of a potential loss is placed into the hands of an insurance company in exchange for a premium that you pay. The insurance company will invest your premium payment funds and pay you in the event you file a claim — subject to the terms and conditions of your policy.
How a ticket affects your car insurance depends on what type of ticket it is. For example, an operating while intoxicated ticket will have a much more serious impact on your insurance than a minor speeding ticket.
Depending on the number and types of car accidents you have, you might see a rise in your insurance premium.
If you're arrested for driving under the influence, you may be placed into a higher risk category or with a higher risk auto insurance company, which will likely raise your rates or even cause your insurance to be canceled altogether.
Getting car insurance with American Family is simple. Here are a few ways we make the process convenient for you.
While some of life’s big changes could earn you some discounts, consider whether these other car insurance discounts can work for you. The best approach is to connect with your American Family Insurance agent and discuss your personal situation to find out what discounts apply.
It pays to keep your insurance under one roof. It’s also a lot easier to manage your policies when you have one insurance company, which is why American Family Insurance rewards you for your loyalty with discounts for multiple cars or bundling policies. Get a bundled insurance quote and see how much you can save.
Whether your young driver is a good student, enrolled in the Teen Safe Driver Program, away at school, a generous volunteer or just a generational customer, we’ve got a young driver discount for them.
Sometimes it feels like doing the right thing goes unnoticed. That’s why we reward our good drivers with discounts. Ask your agent if you qualify for the good driver discount, the defensive driver discount or the auto safety discount. You deserve it!
Hopefully, you’re feeling more confident in your knowledge of car insurance! If you still have questions, your American Family Insurance agent (Opens in a new tab) is always happy to help. They’ll also help you review your policy to make sure you have all the protection you need and that you’re getting all the discounts you qualify for.
Are you an American Family customer? Make sure you’re taking advantage of the MyAmFam app to get the most out of your insurance. Download the app today for easy access to your proof of insurance, streamlined billing and the convenience of tracking your claims anywhere, anytime.