Coverage guide — plain English
Every report on this site uses these exact terms — no matter which carrier you're looking at. When an insurer's paperwork says something different, the “also called” column translates it for you.
Bodily Injury Liability
Also called: BI, Liability — Bodily Injury
Pays for other people's medical bills if you cause a crash.
Why it matters: This is the coverage that protects your savings and future wages if you seriously hurt someone. State minimums are often far too low.
Property Damage Liability
Also called: PD, Liability — Property Damage
Pays to repair other people's cars or property you damage.
Why it matters: One totaled SUV can blow past a $25k state-minimum limit — then the rest comes out of your pocket.
Collision
Also called: COLL
Pays to repair YOUR car after a crash, minus your deductible.
Why it matters: A higher deductible (e.g. $1,000 instead of $500) lowers your premium. Pick the highest deductible you could comfortably pay tomorrow.
Comprehensive
Also called: COMP, Other Than Collision
Pays for theft, hail, flood, fire, or hitting a deer — minus your deductible.
Why it matters: Not actually 'everything' despite the name — it covers non-crash damage. Often required if you have a car loan.
Uninsured / Underinsured Motorist
Also called: UM/UIM, Uninsured Motorists
Protects you if the other driver has little or no insurance.
Why it matters: About 1 in 8 drivers has no insurance at all. This is cheap protection against them.
Medical Payments
Also called: MedPay, Medical Expense
Pays medical bills for you and passengers, no matter who caused the crash.
Why it matters: Kicks in immediately — no waiting to sort out fault. Especially useful with a high-deductible health plan.
Rental Reimbursement
Also called: Rental Coverage, Transportation Expense
Pays for a rental car while yours is in the shop after a covered claim.
Why it matters: Repairs can take weeks. Without this, the rental bill is yours.
Roadside Assistance
Also called: Towing & Labor, Emergency Road Service
Towing, jump-starts, flat tires, and lockout help, 24/7.
Why it matters: Usually costs less than one tow truck call per year.
Deductible
Also called: DED
The amount YOU pay first before insurance pays the rest of a claim.
Why it matters: Higher deductible = lower premium. It is the single biggest lever on your price.
Premium
The price you pay for insurance — usually quoted per 6-month term.
Why it matters: Always compare the same term length. A 'cheap' monthly price can hide a pricey 6-month premium.