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 |  |  Why do I need auto insurance? Your car has two unique qualities. First, it is probably one of the most expensive things you own. Insurance protects your investment and guarantees you a way of coping with the expense of accidents, vandalism or theft, as well as securing your financial responsibility to the bank or other institution lending the money to buy your vehicle. Second, when you drive, you are operating a powerful machine, weighing one ton or more and capable of moving at over 100 miles per hour. You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your fellow drivers, other people's property, pedestrians and yourself. Insurance helps you live up to that responsibility by ensuring your ability to cover the costs of potential damages or injuries. You are also required by state laws to be financially responsible. This requirement is best satisfied through your insurance coverage. In most states, insurance is a prerequisite to registering your car. So if you want to drive your own vehicle, you must be insured. What does auto insurance cover? At the very least, you need the coverages required by your state to register and operate a vehicle. In addition, you should consider purchasing enough coverage to protect your assets and ensure that you can be financially responsible if you injure someone in an accident. You may also want the added coverage of a Personal Umbrella Policy (Excess Liability) depending on your assets and need for coverage.
We have found the following safety and consumer information sites to be valuable resources. Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, health, and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to make America's roads safer. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - Independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the insurance industry; site has a broad range of vehicle-related traffic safety info. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Information on vehicle standards, air bags, and more. NHTSA - Office of Highway Safety The Highway Loss Data Institute - Summarizes recent injury, collision and theft info for different vehicle models. U.S. Department of Transportation - Comprehensive government transportation information. The FHWA, in partnership with the total highway and transportation community, is preparing for the future. Our vision is to create the safest and most efficient and effective highway and intermodal transportation system in the world for the American people - a transportation system where everyone has access within and beyond their community and to the world; a transportation system where crashes, delays, and congestion are significantly reduced; a transportation system where freight moves easily and at the lowest costs across towns, States, and international borders; a system where roads protect ecosystems and where travel on our roadways does not degrade the quality of the air; a system where pedestrians and bicyclists are accommodated; and a system where transportation services are restored immediately after disasters and emergencies. National Safety Council - Aim is to educate and influence society to adopt safety, health and environmental policies, practices and procedures. Info on NSC's various coalitions and campaigns. Share the Road Coalition - This site serves as a clearinghouse for Share the Road Coalition member organizations. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics - Good source for travel data to determine crash rates. Lots of Information for new drivers and parents as well as professional drivers and transport carriers .Teen New Drivers' Homepage - Created by a teen for teens, this site offers tips for drivers who are just learning the ropes. The American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA - Participate in ADTSEA's online driver education survey.) Department of Transportation http://www.hwysafety.orgInsurance Institute for Highway Safety Auto-related information on alcohol & drugs, beginning drivers, fatality facts, crash tests, pedestrians, state law facts and child safety. |
