The basic personal auto insurance mandated by most U.S. states provides some financial protection if you or another driver using your car causes an accident that damages someone else’s car or property, injures someone or both.
But to make the best decisions about purchasing other types of auto insurance coverage you might need, you will want to understand what’s covered, what’s not covered and what’s optional. In addition to understanding types of coverage, you will also want to consider coverage amounts.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported less than 1 million vehicles were stolen in 2024 – a drop below the one million mark for the first time since 2021 and the largest decrease in stolen vehicles in the last 40 years. The 2024 figure is a 16.7 percent decrease from 2023.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage reimburses policyholders in an accident involving an uninsured, underinsured or hit-and-run driver. Twenty states and the District of Columbia have mandatory requirements for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. More than half of the states have passed laws and begun to develop and implement online auto insurance verification systems to identify uninsured motorists.
Convective storms result from warm, moist air rising from the earth, and depending on atmospheric conditions, may develop into tornadoes, hail, thunderstorms with lightning, or straight-line winds. Convective storms are the most common and damaging natural catastrophes in the United States, according to Triple-I’s May 2020 white paper, Severe convective storms: Evolving risks call for innovation to reduce costs, drive resilience.
The average homeowners insurance premium rose by 11.2 percent in 2022 from 2021, according to a May 2025 study by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the latest data available. The average renters insurance premium rose by 0.6 percent in 2022 breaking seven consecutive annual declines.
The countrywide average auto insurance expenditure increased 6.1 percent to $1,127 in 2022 from $1,062 in 2021, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In 2022 (the latest data available), the average expenditure was highest in Florida ($1,625), followed by Louisiana ($1,558), and New York ($1,549).
Homeowners coverage provides financial protection against loss due to disasters, theft and accidents. Most standard policies include four essential types of coverage: coverage for the structure of your home; coverage for your personal belongings; liability protection; coverage for additional living expenses
One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.
Following are other steps you can take to lower your insurance costs.
1. Shop around
Premiums can vary significantly from insurer to insurer, so it pays to shop around. Get at least three price quotes. You can shop online via quote comparison websites, get quotes directly from insurer websites or work with either exclusive or independent insurance agents in your area.