The 15 best car insurance companies of 2018

What should I look for in a policy?

Liability insurance policies come with expensive little add-ons depending on the provider, making them difficult to compare on price alone. However, if you decide on full coverage, there are additional options to consider. The best policy for you is something that has all the extras you need, and nothing you don’t.

• Things to look for:

  • Damage to your vehicle.
    Some comprehensive insurance policies let you choose which hazards you want to be protected against. Select the hazards that are more likely to happen, and try to exclude the ones that definitely won’t.
  • Damage to other people’s property.
    Liability, personal property and bodily injury coverage will all pay for any damage you cause after an accident.
  • Roadside assistance.
    A lot of people are happy to pay more for this extra option, but some people prefer not to. You’ll have to decide if the convenience is worth the cost, especially when AAA and other affordable driver’s club options exist throughout the country.
  • Choice of mechanic.
    If you have a modified, classic, luxury or otherwise unique vehicle, then this could be vital for you. Typically, it’s more a matter of convenience.
  • Lifetime repair guarantee.
    Many people prefer to have repairs done by the insurance company and be guaranteed for life.
  • Rental after theft or damage.
    This is a common add-on recommended for people who are dependent on being able to drive, and who can’t rely on public transportation while they wait for their car to be repaired or replaced.
  • Coverage for personal property.
    Some policies offer limited coverage for possessions store in the car, usually up to several thousands of dollars. If you normally park on the street with trade tools, electronics, jewelry or other valuables then this may be useful. Always check personal property coverage for exclusions and limits.
  • Coverage for child seats.
    If you’re in an accident and you have a car seat in your car, it’s important to get it replaced in case it was damaged in the crash. Most car insurance policies will offer this.
  • Change of vehicle coverage.
    If you plan on changing cars in the near future, this is worth looking for as a way to reduce or eliminate extra fees.
  • Gap insurance.
    If your car is stolen or totaled, your insurer will pay off any remaining lease or loan balance so you aren’t stuck making payments on a car that can’t be driven anymore. Without this coverage, there would be a gap between what the insurance company pays you and what you owe your bank or dealership, and that can be a financially-crippling burden.
  • Trailer damage.
    This is recommended if you have a trailer. Check the limits and exclusions to make sure you’re adequately covered.
  • Towing and storage.
    If you use towing equipment and vehicle storage frequently, it’s worth finding coverage for this.
  • Recoding of remotes and locks after theft.
    Late model vehicles are tempting targets for thieves and they often have remote control electronic locks. Car manufacturers take advantage of this by charging substantial prices for the recoding of remotes and locks after theft, so you could save hundreds or even thousands by having a policy that covers it.