Hello, wondering if anyone can offer advice here. I live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and I just started working. I am a new driver and I plan to buy my first car soon. What basics should I look at first in getting car insurance? I do plan on having a long relationship with my car and treat it as a valued possession.

Matt

Pittsburgh, PA

Hello there, Matt and congratulations on your move. That is a fine idea you have there, practical and not wasteful. Based on my experience, you buy the automotive insurance based on what you plan to do and how you’ll use your car. I’ll also suggest checking state laws first, on what’s the bare minimum of auto insurance that a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania car owner should have. Also bear in mind that too little or too much insurance is bad. You can either get caught unprepared in an emergency situation or get caught stuck with payments you can’t afford.

Here is one basic tip that I think you should check out. If you are a new driver and looking at acquiring an expensive brand new car and you’re confident about dealing with deductibles, you can look at having collision and comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance. With collision coverage, you’ll be prepared for vehicular accidents on the road i.e. you hit another car or another car hits yours. With comprehensive coverage, your car is insured for damages that are not caused by other vehicles. Let’s say, by some freak event, a tree just drops on your car, the resulting damage to your car will be covered by your auto insurance

My car was parked in front of my house in Reading, Pennsylvania and last night it was hit by another vehicle. I have comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage. Will these cover the damage on my vehicle?

Marla

Reading, PA

Comprehensive insurance coverage covers your car for things other than collision such as fire, flood, or animals or if your car gets stolen. Collision coverage on the other hand covers your vehicle when your vehicle hits, or is hit by, another car, or other object. I do not think your comprehensive coverage would cover the damage to your car you mentioned if it was from another vehicle since that would usually fall under the Collision coverage.

Uninsured motorist can be either for property damage or bodily injury. If you have the bodily injury (UMBI) then it will not pay for damages sustained to your automobile. Normally this insurance covers you, your passengers or insured members of your household for bodily/personal injuries, death or damages caused by an at-fault uninsured or hit-and-run motorist.

If you have uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), and if the damage are from a hit and run accident then your vehicle may be covered. Typically UMPD covers your car when property damage is sustained by an insured and the other party does not have car insurance.

You may contact your insurance carrier in Reading, Pennsylvania to get better understanding of the coverages you have on your car insurance policy and you may also ask if the damages sustained in an accident would be covered.