Optional Car Insurance Coverages to Consider

Since you’re a savvy driver, you likely have the legal amount of auto insurance required by your state — which is super important! But there are actually a number of optional car insurance coverages available to provide protection for situations you might not have thought about.

We’ve highlighted some additional car coverages to consider when crafting your auto policy, so you get a broader range of protection and greater peace of mind when you hit the road. Let’s take a look.

Can you drive a car without insurance?

You might be wondering, “Is it legal to drive a car without insurance?” The short answer is no. Almost every single state requires a minimum amount of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage in order for you to legally be behind the wheel. There are a few states that do not require a minimum amount of insurance, but they do have financial responsibility laws that require proof you have sufficient funds to pay damages and medical expenses if you cause an accident. Remember, auto insurance is designed to protect you financially from unexpected events, and having the right coverages in place is key to that protection.

Additional Car Insurance Coverage

You know that most states only require a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, so consider adding these coverages to your policy for fuller coverage.

Roadside Assistance

It’s not something you think of until it happens — a breakdown on the side of the road. With 24-hour Emergency Roadside Assistance, you can drive confidently, knowing you’ll have help to get back on the road. With this inexpensive add-on, a single call, any time, day or night, is all it takes to get you back on the road. Emergency Roadside Assistance may help with things like:

• Towing
• Battery jump
• Tire servicing
• Deliver gas and oil
• Roadside repairs

Learn More About Emergency Roadside Assistance

Rental Reimbursement Coverage

On average, a car is in the repair shop for one to two weeks following an accident. While you may still need to get around, paying out-of-pocket for a rental can be expensive! Rental reimbursement coverage may help you pay for a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop. And a year of this coverage can cost less than a one-day car rental!

Learn More About Rental Reimbursement Coverage

Lease/Loan Gap Coverage

Lease/loan gap coverage is protection you may not have thought of, but it’s actually a really helpful coverage. If you’re in an accident and your vehicle is a total loss, your auto policy may generally pay you for the actual cash value of your vehicle. That’s great. However, the value of the vehicle can be less than what you might actually owe on your lease or loan and can leave you with an extra bill that you’ll owe to the loan or lease company. Lease/loan gap coverage helps pay the difference, or the gap, to help financially cover what you owe to the loan or lease company.

Learn More About Lease/Loan Gap Coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While car insurance is legally required in many states, people still get behind the wheel with no insurance or too little of it. Having uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage may help protect you from drivers who have no insurance or who have some insurance, but their limits aren’t high enough to cover your accident-related bills. If you got into an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist, unfortunately, you’d likely be responsible for paying damages to your vehicle and any medical expenses. Having this coverage helps keep you protected.

Learn More About Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Rideshare Coverage

Do you drive for a rideshare company like Uber or Lyft? The company you drive for may offer liability coverage. However, the coverage is usually only active when logged into the app and matched with a rider. The period you’re logged in without a match and waiting for ride requests leaves you with a coverage gap. Adding American Family’s rideshare coverage helps fill the gap by covering you from the moment your ridesharing app is turned on until you’ve been matched with a passenger. Keep in mind that the coverage won't be active after you’ve been matched up with a ride request and during the time the rider is in your vehicle — that’s what your rideshare company's insurance is for.

Learn More About Rideshare Coverage

Ready to get the protection you need and peace of mind you deserve? Connect with your American Family Insurance agent to customize your auto policy.

This information represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Exclusions may apply to policies, endorsements, or riders. Coverage may vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Please read your policy and contact your agent for assistance.

*Customers who bundle home and auto insurance policies may save up to 23% on both policies together (as of December 2023). Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting the home and/or auto policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on a home or auto policy.