Shopping for auto insurance is one of those unpleasant, but necessary, life tasks. With so many plans and so many insurance companies, it can seem overwhelming at times. It really doesn’t have to be.

It’s extremely helpful to have an independent entity searching through different options to avoid getting lost in the confusing sea of providers and their promises. Resources like aqeed.com are very valuable in assisting you to find the perfect coverage to suit your specific needs. They also provide plan comparisons so you know your options.

Depending on your driving habits and your budget, there are some types of insurance that may or may not be right for you. Before you begin your hunt, here’s an overview of different types of coverage that everyone should consider.

Liability Insurance

Most states already have a minimum requirement for liability insurance, for good reason. This is critical in the event that you are at fault for an accident. Liability insurance will help cover costs of damage to other persons and their property.WalletHub offers a good overview of state minimum requirements, but also underlines the fact that these minimums may not be enough. If you are at fault for an accident that causes hundreds of thousands worth in damage, but your policy only covers $20,000, you are responsible for paying the balance from your own assets. If you are sued, you stand to lose even more. Liability insurance is a must-have. As an added safeguard, think about the total value of your savings and assets when you are determining just how much you should add to your policy.

Personal Injury

There is no question that medical costs are sky high. Rates for any form of emergency medical care can easily spiral out of control, leaving people in serious debt. Personal injury protection covers the cost of injuries to you and any passengers in your vehicle at the time of an accident. It is an extra layer of protection against the unforeseen bills that traditional health insurance will not pay. For those who have no health insurance, it is an absolute necessity.

Collision and Comprehensive

Many people have heard the term“full coverage” auto insurance, and mistakenly believe that this is an actual type of policy. In reality, it generally refers to a combination of both collision and comprehensive coverage. These two are both necessary to have any semblance of being fully protected in most car mishaps. Collision insurance will help pay for any repairs to your vehicle after an accident, but will not be of any use if your car is damaged in any other way. For example, if you hit an animal, are stuck in a hail storm, or if a tree falls on your car while parked, you are completely responsible for repairs. What do you do if your car is stolen? These scenarios are where comprehensive insurance comes in. While it can be one of the more expensive insurance add-ons, if your car is of high value then it will be significantly costlier to risk going without.

Finding the right auto insurance is so much more than protecting your car. It is an important step to safeguarding yourself, your family, and your assets. Always do your research and take advantage of independent sources to view plan options side-by-side before you commit.