Your car has two unique qualities. First, it is probably one of the most expensive things you own. Insurance protects your investment and guarantees you a way of coping with the expense of accidents, vandalism or theft, as well as securing your financial responsibility to the bank or other institution lending the money to buy your vehicle.

Second, when you drive, you are operating a powerful machine, weighing one ton or more and capable of moving at over 100 miles per hour. You are responsible for the safety of your passengers, your fellow drivers, other people's property, pedestrians and yourself. Insurance helps you live up to that responsibility by ensuring your ability to cover the costs of potential damages or injuries.

You are also required by state laws to be financially responsible. This requirement is best satisfied through your insurance coverage. In most states, insurance is a prerequisite to registering your car. So if you want to drive your own vehicle, you must be insured.

At the very least, you need the coverage required by your state to register and operate a vehicle. In addition, you should consider purchasing enough coverage to protect your assets and ensure that you can be financially responsible if you injure someone in an accident. You may also want the added coverage of a Personal Umbrella Policy (Excess Liability) depending on your assets and need for coverage. Because your individual needs determine what insurance coverage is right for you, contact our agency about your individual auto insurance needs.