No matter where you live, if you have been driving longer than a week, it is easy to recognize that accidents can and do happen. Especially in today’s society, accidents are happening more frequently due to driver distractions such as cell phones and other things that take the drivers focus off of the road.

Sometimes, things can happen to your vehicle even when you are not driving. Trees limbs can break and fall on your car, shopping cart crashes into your windshield or even automotive burglary. It is important to ensure you have the proper coverage from a low cost car insurance company. It is also required by state law that you at least purchase a minimum amount of discount auto insurance coverage.

Why Buy Low Cost Car Insurance

Auto insurance protects you against financial risks related to personal injuries and property damage from auto accidents, theft, vandalism and natural disasters. Low cost car insurance customers pay auto insurance premiums so in the event of an accident, the insurance company helps financially cover the cost of repair or replacement, depending on the type of discount auto insurance policy you have.

All states require drivers to purchase at least a minimum amount of liability coverage. This way if someone’s vehicle is damaged in an accident from the fault of another driver, the faulted drivers insurance company would cover the damages. Other types of low cost car insurance is optional, required or recommended based on state regulations.

Also, if you financed your vehicle and have a current loan or lease, you will most likely be required by the lender to purchase a certain amount of auto insurance coverage.

Liability Coverage

State laws require you to purchase a minimum amount of low cost car insurance coverage. Most likely they will require you at least purchase some or all of the following types of liability coverage:

• Bodily injury liability – this discount auto insurance coverage protects your assets if you are held liable for an auto accident where other people suffered injuries or fatalities.

• Property damage liability – covers the repair or replacement of the other persons vehicle or other property.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – unless you reside in a "no-fault" state (where your low cost car insurance will cover your losses), this auto insurance coverage insures you against losses caused by other drivers with little (underinsured) or no (uninsured) auto insurance.

To ensure you are protected and covered, it is recommended that you purchase more than the minimum amount of discount auto insurance coverage required by your state.

Collision Coverage

Collision auto insurance coverage is normally optional in most states, but it is wise to purchase this coverage. This could save you from paying out-of-pocket for automobile damages. There are several types of collision coverage.

• Collision – pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident.

• Comprehensive – insures your automobile against damage caused by something other than auto accident such as theft, fire, flood or vandalism.

• Medical payments or personal injury protection – covers various medical expenses that are not

covered by your health insurance or your passengers.

Understand Your Policy

It is important to read and understand your low cost car insurance policy because there are times when the auto insurance company may not pay for everything entirely.

Deductibles – most often you are required to pay out of pocket a set amount of money for your auto insurance to kick in.

Exclusions – an event or situation when your auto insurance policy specifically omits coverage, such as property damage or personal injury you intentionally cause to others or even damage to your own vehicle from mechanical failure.

Costs above limitations – any expenses that exceed the dollar amount cap in your auto insurance coverage. You could be responsible for the difference.

Low Cost Car Insurance

Many factors affect your auto insurance premium such as age, state you reside, make and model of your vehicle, where your car is parked and your driving record. Some things are out of your control, but there are some tips to help you save money on car insurance and lower your premiums:

• Increase your auto insurance deductible

• Don’t purchase optional coverage such as towing and rental car services.

• Do not buy collision and comprehensive coverage if your car is valued less than $1,000 or you can afford to pay for repairs if necessary.

• Inquire about discount auto insurance. Some car insurance companies offer discounts for low-mileage or safety features.

• Avoid purchasing a vehicle that is prone to theft or expensive to repair.

• Park your car in a garage.

• Drive safer and improve your driving record.

Shop Around and Compare Low Cost Car Insurance Quotes

It is important to shop around and obtain multiple quotes for auto insurance coverage. Auto insurance premiums for the same coverage on the same car can vary widely among different insurers. A good time to shop around is when your current auto insurance policy is up for renewal, although you can change policies at anytime. Get discount auto insurance quotes from several companies but compare policies as well as price. Be sure to understand the type of auto insurance policy that best suits your needs. Research car insurance companies to find out if they have a good track record in the industry.