Auto Insurance Protection & Education
Heritage Insurance has you covered. We can help you feel safe on the road by helping you with any kind of car insurance you're looking for. However, we first need to understand what each coverage means and how it can protect you. Then you can make an educated decision as to what coverage you need to purchase.
Car Insurance Explained: Why the Right Coverage Matters
When it comes to car insurance, many people are unsure what they really need. Some think, “I’ll never get into an accident,” while others might assume that the cheapest plan is good enough.
But here’s the thing: accidents happen when we least expect them, and not having the right insurance can cost you far more than just money—it can disrupt your entire life.
Let’s break down the six most common types of car insurance and, more importantly, why they matter to you. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or someone just getting their first car, this guide will help you understand the essentials and avoid the hidden pitfalls of being underinsured.
Bodily Injury Liability
If you cause an accident, this coverage helps pay for the injuries you cause to someone else. It’s not just about medical bills—it also includes lost wages or even legal expenses if you’re sued.
Why it matters: Imagine hitting another car and seriously injuring the driver. Without this coverage, you could be personally responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs. Could your bank account handle that? This is why bodily injury liability isn’t just required in most states—it’s essential for protecting your financial future.
Property Damage Liability
Accidents don’t just involve people; they often involve property. This coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of things you damage—whether it’s another car, a fence, or even a building.
Why it matters: Picture this—you accidentally crash into someone’s luxury car. The repair costs alone could run into the thousands. Property damage liability ensures you’re not dipping into your savings to cover such accidents.
Pro Tip: Check your policy limits. If the damages exceed your coverage, you’ll have to pay the difference out of pocket.
Collision Coverage
What happens if your own car is damaged in an accident? That’s where collision coverage comes in. This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of who caused the accident.
Why it matters: Let’s say you lose control on an icy road and hit a tree. Without collision coverage, you’d have to foot the entire repair bill yourself. For many people, this could mean being without a car for months.
Comprehensive Coverage
This is for the unexpected—things that aren’t accidents but still damage your car, like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Why it matters: A freak hailstorm can leave your car looking like a golf ball, or worse, it could get stolen entirely. Comprehensive coverage ensures that even these unpredictable events don’t derail your life.
Question to Consider: How would you get to work or school if your car was stolen tomorrow? This coverage gives you the peace of mind to handle life’s curveballs.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Not everyone plays by the rules. If you’re hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage, this part of your policy steps in to cover your medical expenses and damages.
Why it matters: Nearly 1 in 8 drivers in the U.S. doesn’t have insurance. Think about that next time you’re on the highway. This coverage is your safety net when someone else’s irresponsibility threatens your well-being.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
If you or your passengers are injured in an accident, MedPay covers medical expenses, regardless of who caused the accident. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, and even funeral costs in the worst-case scenario.
Why it matters: Accidents can leave behind more than just vehicle damage—they can leave lasting physical and financial scars. MedPay ensures you and your loved ones get the care you need without worrying about the cost.
What’s at Stake if You Don’t Have Adequate Coverage?
Here’s a question for you: How would you recover financially if the unexpected happened tomorrow?
Cost of inaction: Without proper insurance, a single accident can wipe out your savings, lead to lawsuits, or even force you into bankruptcy. Insurance isn’t just a legal requirement; it’s a shield for your financial future.
Having adequate Car Insurance coverage is serious business
If you were ever involved in an accident, and found to be at-fault for someone else's bodily injuries, you could literally lose everything if you're not properly insured.
What a lot of people don't realize is, having great coverage doesn't necessarily mean having higher insurance premiums.
Because Heritage Insurance is 100% independent, we can take your current coverages and compare them with a wide range of insurance providers to see who offers you the best coverage possible.
The best part? It doesn't cost you a penny more to use us. We are compensated by the insurance carriers directly, and work on your behalf to properly cover your needs and make sure that there are no hidden gaps in your policy.
No two insurance contracts are the same, and while two policies side-by-side might look the same, the fine print behind the cover page can vary drastically from company to company.
This means you need someone who truly understands policy contracts, like us, to sort through the exclusions and conditions for you, so you can rest easy knowing that you have the best possible coverage at the best price without having to learn legal jargon.
