Fender benders and other vehicle mishaps result in billions of dollars in property damage, medical and legal bills as well as lost income for motorists every year. The right insurance policy can protect consumers from serious financial losses – and keep them in compliance with laws in states that require motorists to carry insurance.

Better Business Bureau advises consumers to make sure they understand the coverage they’re buying so they avoid buying coverage they don’t need – or fail to purchase coverage that will protect them in case of a serious accident. Consumer complaints about coverage often concern delays in handling claims or misunderstandings about billing, so it pays to read policies carefully and check to see if others have filed complaints with BBB.

“Insurance can be a confusing topic, but BBB has tips that can de-mystify buying coverage,” said Kim States, BBB President. “By boning up on the basic terms and shopping with at least three different companies, consumers can feel secure in their decisions about which insurance to buy.”

The basic types of coverage include:

• Bodily Injury Liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car injures or kills someone. Covers family members living with you and others driving with your permission.
• Property Damage Liability. Pays your legal defense costs and claims against you if your car (more…)