As a new driver, one of your primary responsibilities is to insure your vehicle before you hit the road. If you have never before sought coverage, it can be a bit confusing. You must comply with legal minimums, decide if you want optional coverage, select limits, and choose deductible amounts. To help you do that, below is an introduction to auto insurance for new drivers.

A Guide to Auto Insurance for Beginner Drivers

Legal Minimums

The state of Missouri requires all vehicles that operate on public roads to have at least a minimum amount of liability coverage to pay for losses suffered by other drivers when you are at fault. Drivers must purchase bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per injured person, to a per-accident max of $50,000. Also required is $10,000 of property damage liability, and $25,000/$50,000 of uninsured motorist coverage. This last pays for injuries to you and your passengers if an at-fault driver has no insurance.

Optional Coverage Types

Collision coverage pays for damages to your car when you are at fault in an accident. Comprehensive pays for non-collision losses, such as floods, fires, vandalism, and even theft. Together, these two are often referred to as "full coverage." Another important type of policy is roadside assistance, which pays for a wrecker to come jump start your vehicle, perform lockout service, deliver fuel, change a flat, or tow you to safety. Some policies even include rental car coverage.

Limits & Deductibles

You must also decide how much coverage you need. The higher the limits, the more your insurer is responsible for, and thus, the more you'll pay for auto insurance. Similarly, you must also choose deductible amounts. This is what you must pay toward a claim before the carrier must contribute. The lower your deductible, the costlier the policy.

To purchase auto insurance tailored for a new driver, contact Shelter Insurance® - Michael Flynn, a respected insurance agency in St. Peters, MO. They offer exceptional customer service and invaluable guidance, and they also specialize in home, RV, motorcycle, and life insurance. Visit their website or call (636) 441-8177 to request a quote.