There are more cars hitting the road every year. This could lead to an increased likelihood of a car accident for you and your family. The difference between a small aggravation and large obstacle can be car insurance. But why do you need to own insurance and exactly how much should you buy? Car insurance protects you by paying for damage caused to your vehicle or someone else's vehicle and injury to other people, yourself, or your passengers, and certain other occurrences, such as burglary. Making the decision to drive without insurance could mean you have to repair or replace a stolen or damaged vehicle or pay the cost of any damage that you may have caused. Liability: It pays for damages due to bodily injury and property damage to others for which you are responsible. Bodily injury damages can include medical fees, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Property damage includes damaged property and loss of use of property. If you are sued, it also pays your court costs. Recommended, more comprehensive levels of insurance can be purchased that cover more events than the stripped-down, state-mandated varieties. Personal Injury Protection: This is required in some states and is optional in others. It pays you or your passengers for medical treatment resulting from a crash, regardless of who may have been at fault, and is often called no-fault coverage. This insurance can also pay for lost wages, replacement of services and funeral costs. State government usually sets minimum amounts. Medical Payments: This type of coverage can be purchased in non-no-fault states and will pay no matter who is responsible for the accident. If this type of coverage is bought, the insured person will receive payment for reasonable medical or funeral costs. Collision: Pays for damage to your vehicle caused by an accident. Comprehensive: Applies if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by something other than a collision, including weather damage or vandalism. Uninsured Motorist: Too many drivers are ignoring the law by driving without purchasing the proper amount of car insurance. This type of coverage will protect you if one of these irresponsible drivers hit you. Under-Insured Motorist: Many drivers have liability insurance that can't pay for all the expenses they are responsible for. This type of insurance covers you in accidents involving those drivers. Other types of car insurance, like emergency road service, can also be purchased. What you pay for auto insurance varies based on the company and will depend on multiple factors, including: *Your selected coverage *Your vehicle's make and model * Your driving record * Your age, gender and marital status * The place where you live Some have consider auto insurance as a necessary evil, but it can truly rescue you from a financial mess. Evaluate your needs, do your research , and with the support of your insurance agency, choose the option that fits you best. Insurance Clermont