If you have a car, you need car insurance. It’s as simple as that. Having an automobile is a big responsibility. Cars are expensive, they can be damaged, and they can do a lot of damage. If you and your vehicle are not properly covered with auto insurance, you can put yourself at considerable risk. These are the seven most important reasons why you should be insured:

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Car insurance protects your future from devastating financial loss. A totaled automobile costs tens of thousands of dollars to replace, and even something as “minor” as a new hood can easily run into the thousands. Without insurance, you will have to bear the burden of these costs out of your own pocket … and consequently find yourself in debt for months or years. In addition, without insurance you may be forced to pay damages to other parties in an accident, and these damages may dwarf the considerable cost of damage to your vehicle.

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It’s about your freedom. Your car is your freedom. You use your car to go everywhere. It gets you to work, your kids to school and to their team sports games and practices.  Having insurance protects you from losing your car.

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Car insurance is necessary even if you don’t own a car. Even if you are a licensed driver who does not own a car, you may nevertheless be liable for damages if you get in an accident.

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Accidents will happen. In 2012, almost 5 million motor vehicle accidents were reported. Based on car insurance industry estimates, people have three to four accidents on average during their lifetime. If you avoid getting car insurance because you think it can’t happen to you, it’s wishful thinking.

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Car insurance is for more than just accidents. Most auto insurance policies cover more than accidents. If your car is stolen, vandalized or damaged in a hailstorm, you’ll avoid a major loss by having that vehicle insured. Furthermore, if you are pulled over for a traffic violation and cannot show proof of insurance, a small problem can become a major problem, and a major problem can become an overwhelming one. Depending on where you live, penalties for driving without insurance could include having your driver’s license suspended, receiving a citation and/or fine and having your vehicle’s registration suspended. None of these options are preferable to car insurance premiums and deductibles!

  

You’ll be able to buy a car. Without proof of insurance, you’re not going to be able to purchase a car legally in many states. If you’ve never needed auto insurance before, review your policy options before making the purchase, and either obtain coverage before the purchase or immediately thereafter (check with your insurance agent for precise details). Most of the policy information you need is available online, but it can be very helpful in the long run to work with a local insurance agent.

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Peace of mind. Do you really want to be worried about a financial disaster every time you get behind the wheel? That’s exactly what it will feel like if you (or a family member) are an uninsured driver. Car insurance is an expense, yes, but one that protects you not only financially but also mentally.

Some people may be OK thinking, “I’ll let the other driver worry about insurance” … but supposing the other driver is also uninsured? Or supposing your car is damaged by weather and no other driver is involved? The simple fact is, having car insurance ensures your vehicle and your peace of mind, 24/7/365.

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It’s illegal not to have car insurance. Although what we listed above are all better reasons for having car insurance, it is the law. Most states require motorists to insure their vehicles. Whether or not you get in an accident, you may face legal consequences, such as having your driver’s license suspended, unless you have coverage. In addition, in some states, you can’t sue another party for damages if you are uninsured.

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If you have never purchased car insurance or are unsure about what type of coverage you need, insurance websites and local agents/representatives will be happy to provide options. Most companies are reputable, reliable and sincere — and you can easily obtain the right coverage at the right price by comparing two or three companies.

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About the Author:

Kimberly Quinones has been the Vice President of Sales in the Midwest for more than ten years. She oversees all aspects of sales, service and customer retention programs for Access Auto Insurance. As a proactive leader, Kim works side-by-side with her teams and customers to ensure a strong relationship is built between them.

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