The seven steps in buying auto insurance that will best protect you and your family include:
1. Educating yourself about state auto insurance requirements.
2. Comparison-shopping coverages.
3. Meeting with several insurance agents.
4. Reading the entire policy very carefully.
5. Listing all drivers.
6. Paying premiums promptly.
7. Disclosing past claims.

Types of Coverage
Auto insurance policies include several coverage elements, specifically costed out, that you should understand:
Bodily injury liability- protects you against injury, death claims, and legal expenses from an accident.
Property damage liability- covers property damage by your car in an accident. Since liability covers other parties, almost all states require it.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection- pays for your and your occupants’ accident injuries form uninsured, inadequately insured, or hit and run drivers.
Collision coverage- after you pay the deductible, it reimburses for damages to you vehicle, up to its book value.
Comprehensive- covers physical damage to your car from fire, flood, theft, vandalism, wind, and other non-accident causes, also with deductibles.
Rental car liability insurance- Personal auto insurance will usually cover you for a rented car. However, you should confirm this with your insurance agent. Most auto policies provide rental car liability. However collision damage to rental cars is covered only under a policy’s comprehensive and collision coverage. Be sure your auto policy includes these coverages. Your credit card may also provide insurance accident coverage. To be eligible, you may have to decline damage waiver (CDW) and charge the full amount of the rental car on you card. Reconfirm that your card issuer offers these services, and review the limitation and exclusions your credit card may impose, such as limited rental contracts and approved rental dealers. If in doubt, purchase the CDW for peace of mind.

Consult an attorney experienced with auto accidents for counsel.

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