How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?

Deciding how much insurance coverage you need can be a challenge. After all, it's hard to predict which policy will guard against incidents that haven't happened yet. Use this guide and advice from an insurance agent to plan coverage options that make the most sense for you.


How much auto insurance do I need or should I have?

Here are some things to consider when buying auto insurance, as well as factors that may affect your insurance rate:

  • The market value of your vehicle
  • Your driving record
  • Your accident history
  • How much you drive each year
  • The garaging location (the address where you live)
  • Mileage
  • Use (Commute, Pleasure, Business)


Because each state has its own minimum auto insurance requirements, where you live is important in determining how much insurance you must have. Plus, you may opt for additional protection. Collision coverage, for instance, pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident. Your insurance agent can help you customize a policy to fit your needs.


How to compare auto insurance quotes to get the best deal.

Comparing auto insurance quotes is a smart way to find the best deal. You'll want to examine the premium and deductible of each quote you get. The premium is the amount you pay each month for coverage; the deductible is what you pay before your insurance provider contributes toward a claim.


Learn more by calling Senate Select Insurance

If you have questions about how to buy auto insurance, let the experts at Senate Select Insurance help. To find out which insurance policy is best for your vehicle and your budget, call 1-800-622-9333.

The provided information were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is intended for informational purposes only. Senate Select Insurance and its affiliates assume no liability in connection with providing it or your use of it. Your circumstances may not warrant or require some or all of the safety suggestions, and there may be additional available safety procedures that are not referenced on this webpage.

How Life Changes Can Affect Your Car Insurance Policy

When there's a big change in your life, make sure your insurance coverage keeps up. Whether you get married, have a new teenage driver in the family or move to another state, be sure to adjust your car insurance. Here are some factors that could result in auto insurance policy changes.

Car insurance for the recently married

Most insurance policies require you to identify your spouse and all others of driving age living in your household.

Adding a new driver to your insurance policy

When your teen gets his or her driver’s license -- or another family member needs auto insurance – talk to your insurance agent. Adding a driver to your existing policy is simple and can often be done over the phone. 

Switching car insurance coverage when moving to a new state

Since all states have different car insurance laws, talk to your Senate Select Insurance Agent before you move.
You’ll likely need to obtain a new policy in your new state of residence. Since Senate Select Insurance is affiliated with EZ Insurance Group which is licensed in many states including Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and Pennsylvania we can normally make this a simple process. Just call 1-800-622-9333 to make a move.

The provided information suggestions were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is intended for informational purposes only. Senate Select Insurance and its affiliates assume no liability in connection with providing it or your use of it. Your circumstances may not warrant or require some or all of the safety suggestions, and there may be additional available safety procedures that are not referenced on this webpage.

How Do Auto Insurance Deductibles Work?

When shopping for affordable personal car insurance, you may have seen the term "deductible", but not understood what it meant. At Senate Select Insurance, we can help when it comes to understanding car insurance deductibles—from how they work to choosing the right one for your unique needs.

What is a deductible payment?

Deductible definition - it's the money you agree to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company pays toward a claim resulting from a loss or damage.
For example, if your deductible is $500, and repairs from an auto accident are $900, you’ll be responsible for paying the first $500.
The car insurance company pays the remaining $400.

Choosing the right car insurance deductible

The deductible you choose will depend on several factors. Since a higher deductible can lower your monthly insurance premium, you may opt for a higher deductible to save money. Nevertheless, if you live in a congested area where fender-benders occur frequently, a lower deductible could be less expensive in the long run. While average car insurance deductibles may vary from state to state or even between insurance providers, typical deductibles range between $250 and $1,500 per accident.

What is vanishing deductible feature?

Some insurance carriers offer a vanishing deductible feature that lowers your deductible every year you do not have a claim. This feature varies between insurance carriers so give a Senate Select Insurance Agent a call to find out if this is available.

Learn more

To find out which deductible is best for you, contact a Senate Select Insurance agent or call 1-800-622-9333.
We'll help you find a policy that provides the coverage you need and a deductible you can afford.

The provided information were obtained from sources believed to be reliable and is intended for informational purposes only. Senate Select Insurance and its affiliates assume no liability in connection with providing it or your use of it. Your circumstances may not warrant or require some or all of the safety suggestions, and there may be additional available safety procedures that are not referenced on this webpage.

Auto insurance can be a tricky subject, which is why we've broken it down into easy-to-read articles. If you've ever wondered "What is auto insurance?" or you aren't sure what type of coverage you need, get the auto insurance facts from the articles below.