Comprehensive, Collision & Liability Coverage

• Comprehensive coverage for your auto covers things like fire, vandalism and hail damage. This type of insurance coverage is expensive; however, it can provide protection for you, your family and your car.
  
  Collision coverage will cover any damage to your car from an accident, like backing into a fire hydrant or having an accident with another vehicle. If you are driving a beater, you may consider not having collision coverage. You will have to weigh the value of your car against any deductible amounts and the amount of your premiums.
  
  Liability coverage for your auto is less expensive. If you are in an auto accident and you are at fault, liability insurance will provide protection for the drivers and passengers of the other cars who were involved in the accident. Generally, liability insurance will pay for medical expenses and auto repairs up to a policy stated amount. Usually liability will provide coverage for you if you are driving your own car or a car that belongs to someone else.
  
  Lenders will require you to have both comprehensive and liability coverage; however, if you own your car, you have a choice. But, all states in the United States with the exception of New Hampshire and Wisconsin require you carry liability insurance. The amount of liability insurance varies from state to state so be sure to check your state's requirements not only for liability insurance coverage amounts but also for any other auto insurance requirements.
  
  

Why the Type of Car Matters

• The type of car you drive does matter when it comes to insurance costs. The safety rating of your vehicle will effect your premium. Safety ratings are given to vehicles, and the higher the safety rating the lower your insurance costs. Insurance companies also take into consideration which cars are more likely to be the target for theft. They also have a list of cars they feel will be driven irresponsibly, like sports cars, which puts them at a greater risk for accidents. More expensive cars will have a higher premium due to repair and replacement costs. Also, newer cars will have a higher premium than an older car for that same reason; the cost of repairing or replacing a newer car is higher than an older car. So, the type of car you drive definitely effects your insurance premium.
  
  

Most Expensive and Least Expensive Cars to Insure

• In an article for Insure.com, Amy Danise has compiled a list of the most and least expensive cars to insure. She lists 20 cars in each category. The top 10 in each category are as follows:
  
  Most Expensive to Insure: Nissan GT-R, Dodge Viper, BMW M6, Ford Shelby GT500, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Audi S8, BMW M5, Hummer H2, Lexus IS F and the Porche 911. These models are either sports cars, large SUVs or a large passenger cars.
  
  Least Expensive to Insure: Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona, Kia Rio5, Honda Odyssey, Smart Fortwo, Saturn VUE, Mazda Tribute and Chrysler Town & Country. These models are either midsize SUVs, small SUVs, SUVs, minivans, small wagons or passenger cars.