Essential Car Insurance Features You Need

While car insurance is necessary for all Texas drivers, you can save money by cherry-picking features in your policy. Here’s a brief look at what your options are to cut costs.

Essential Car Insurance

Most drivers need collision and comprehensive car insurance if they finance their vehicle, which accounts for most purchases. These two combined types of plans make up what is known as “full coverage.” Chances are you don’t really need full coverage if you drive a paid-off old vehicle that’s no longer in top shape. You won’t get much money for it if you get in a wreck or if the vehicle is stolen.

As far as state requirements are concerned, they vary by state. Texas requires drivers to be covered for at least $30,000 for injuries per person, up to $60,000 for an accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Comprehensive insurance provides broader coverage for vandalism, windshield cracks, and damage from colliding with an animal.

If you’re a good driver with no marks, you may not need legal or personal-accident coverage, as long as you’re covered for accidents caused by either party.

Build an Emergency Fund

You might end up spending less money if you just build your own emergency fund for occasional car trouble. How often do you get a flat tire or have a breakdown that requires a tow truck? In many cases, you’ll have to pay the tow truck upfront anyway – then get reimbursed by the insurance company.

Breakdown insurance is considered non-essential by most drivers. If you take proactive steps to keep your vehicle in top shape, you probably don’t need this feature. You can also save money on the courtesy car feature by tapping into your emergency fund if you need a temporary replacement vehicle.

Sticking with essential car insurance is an advantageous way to lower your premiums. For more information on how to save money on your auto coverage, contact the experts at Mike Leonard Insurance Agency in Texas. We can connect you with our top insurance carriers, including Kemper, MetLife, Nationwide, Travelers, Safeco Insurance, Progressive, and American Strategic Insurance, to find the coverage you need.