Want the insurance 101 on the top 4 types of insurance? What are the basics of insurance policies and coverage?
If you’ve been covered under your family’s insurance, and seeking your own insurance policy for the first time, odds are you need to start with insurance information basics. Don’t let terms like liability coverage, rights reserved, or property-casualty insurance scare you from making this important life decision.
Some of you have just spent the last few years worrying about classes, tests, grades, and a degree, and definitely not about something like insurance. Maybe you are already out of college and have a fair amount of knowledge about insurance basics but would like to learn more.
In this insurance 101 guide, we’ll review the Big Four — renters, auto, health, and life insurance — we will show you what you may need, how to get it, and how to do it as affordably as possible. These basic insurance concepts will be helpful to go over and be reminded of because insurance is an essential part of life.
Onward to learn how insurance works, so you can choose the right insurance agency or insurance company to provide the right coverage.
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#1. Renters Insurance: What You Need to Know
Renters insurance protects you when you rent a property. It is similar to homeowners insurance, but it protects your valuables in the dwelling, not the property itself. It’s one thing to consider if you’re debating buying a home vs renting an apartment. Either way, you need insurance!
Documenting Your Belongings
You may need to take photos or videos of your belongings so that you can gauge how much renters insurance to get. People tend to underinsure because they don’t think their property is that valuable, but it’s always good to assess the value of your stuff with a realistic estimate.
Insurance providers don’t require you to take inventory of your belongings, but just to be safe, make sure you have supporting documents to reduce the chances of fraud when filing a claim. Keep those documents in a safe place where they won’t get lost or destroyed.
How to Get Renters Insurance
The first step in getting renters insurance is choosing a provider that fits your needs. Once that’s done, you can call the provider and begin the application process. Some providers allow you to fill out applications online, but that’s not always the case.
(Side note: Don’t be afraid to fill out applications for multiple providers. You can determine which has the most affordable policies that way.)
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How to Keep Renters Insurance Affordable
Renters insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to homeowners. Generally speaking, there are two types. One is actual cash value, and the other is replacement cost.
The best insurance policy to get is replacement cost because actual cash value only compensates for the amount of the property when it was damaged. Replacement cost covers how much you spent on the item.
For example, if you had a kitchen table you paid $500 for and it was destroyed, the actual cash value would compensate you for the depreciated value of the table. In contrast, the replacement cost would give you back the whole $500.
Replacement cost is slightly more expensive than actual cash value, but it’s definitely worth the extra price if you’re able to get the total replacement value of your damaged property.
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#2. Auto Insurance: One of the Major Types of Insurance
Auto insurance covers your vehicles if they are damaged. It is one of the major insurance types within the insurance industry, which is a billion-dollar industry. The top five companies in the U.S. are USAA, State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and Farmers.
The Different Types of Auto Insurance
There are five types of policies that you can get for your vehicle. Below, we will look at each one in detail.
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A. Liability Insurance
This type covers damages from an accident where you’re at fault. Damages can be from the other person’s car or caused by bodily injury.
B. Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is needed when you get into an accident with another vehicle or property like a fence or light post. The accident doesn’t necessarily have to be your fault.
C. Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damages caused by objects other than someone’s car, much like flood insurance safeguards homes against water damage. For example, if a tree limb falls on your car and causes damage, comprehensive will cover those damages.
D. Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) covers medical expenses should you get injured as a result of an accident. This type is also referred to as “no-fault insurance.”
E. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This type of coverage protects you by covering expenses that the at-fault driver’s liability insurance can’t cover. If the at-fault driver has a liability limit that is too low, then this will kick in and pay for any additional expenses.
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What You Will Need for Auto Insurance
To get car insurance, you will need to give the provider of your choice your personal information, like your date of birth, address, and full name. They will also need to see your driving record. Depending on your driving history, your rates may be higher or lower.
Your provider will need your vehicle’s information, and you may need to show that you are eligible for the discounts they offer.
How to Get Car Insurance
To get auto insurance, you will need to start getting quotes from different providers, ensuring they have the proper licensing to operate in your state. You can get quotes online or through an agent. Again, it’s good to get multiple quotes to see which provider is the most affordable.
The next part of getting car insurance is to pick your deductible. Your deductible is how much you have to pay before the provider pays for a claim.
How to Keep Auto Insurance Affordable
There are many ways to get affordable car insurance, and understanding rate filings can help you compare options effectively. Several methods include improving your credit score, keeping a clean driving record, and applying for discounts.
You can improve your credit score by staying on top of your bills, paying any outstanding debts, and increasing your credit limit. These can be challenging, especially in this pandemic, but it’s always good to make sure that you pay your bills on time and repay any debts as soon as possible.
(Side note: To stay on top of your bills, try creating a budget or cutting your budget so that it’s more manageable.)
Plus, there are ways to find savings on car insurance for women.
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Obeying the rules of the road and being a defensive driver are surefire ways to keep a clean driving record. Avoid reckless driving behaviors and road rage. Providers are less likely to insure drivers they consider high-risk. Some even cancel their policies with reckless drivers.
Discounts for auto insurance include low mileage, good driver, accident-free, good student, loyal customer, and multi-car. These discounts can save you between 5% and 27% on your monthly premium. You can also get discounts for bundling home and auto or other insurance types with a single provider.
Also, keep in mind that your auto insurance rates can vary based on your Zip Code. So, if you’re moving be sure to check rates before signing your lease.
#3. Health or Medical Insurance
Health insurance, also known as medical insurance, covers medical expenses for an individual or many individuals, depending on the situation. It can also provide additional coverage for long-term care needs, such as extended rehabilitation services, or short-term care during recovery from surgery or illness. Anthem, Centene, UnitedHealth, Humana, and Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) are the top five largest companies in this industry. It is also a billion-dollar market.
What You Will Need for Health or Medical Insurance
Like auto insurance, you will need to prove your date of birth, but you will also need to verify your citizenship or your immigration status. You might need to let your provider know your medical history, like your diagnoses and what medications you are taking.
(Side note: It’s important to keep important documents like your birth certificate and Social Security card safe so that your identity can’t be stolen. Consider storing them in a secure location like a safe deposit box.)
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How to Get Health Insurance
The steps to get health insurance are similar to the other types. Figure out which provider is the most affordable for you and covers your doctor or medical team, and then find out when you are allowed to enroll. Health insurance plans have an open enrollment period for the general public and a special enrollment period for those who have had major life changes.
How to Keep Health Insurance Affordable
The most affordable health plans are from Medicaid or Medicare. You can get Medicare when you’re 65 years old or older. Medicaid can be applied for through your state if your income falls below a certain threshold.
The best place to find affordable insurance besides Medicaid or Medicare is healthcare.gov. They can determine the best provider for you based on your income.
#4. Life Insurance
Life insurance covers your funeral costs, medical expenses, and burial costs should you pass away. The money is paid out to your beneficiaries to help them deal with the debts you leave behind. Northwestern Mutual, New York Life, and Lincoln Financial are some of the largest companies in the U.S. in this industry.
The Different Types of Life Insurance Policies
It’s important to know the different types of life insurance policies. Below, we will get you acquainted with each one.
A. Whole Life Insurance
This policy stays in effect for the duration of the insured’s lifetime or to a specific date. It also accumulates cash value as well. Premiums are at a fixed rate.
B. Term Life Insurance
Term stays in effect for a shorter period of time than whole and is also at a fixed rate. Term policies can be as short as five years or as long as 40 years, depending on what you need. This policy only pays out when the insured passes away.
C. Variable Life Insurance
Variable is a policy that allows you to allocate some funds for your beneficiaries to an investment fund.
D. Variable Universal Life Insurance
Variable universal life (VUL) allows you as the policyholder to invest and change the amount of coverage on your policy easily.
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What You Will Need for Life Insurance
For life insurance, you will need to have an in-person medical exam by a paramedical. Some policies don’t require a medical exam, but overall, it is the norm. You have to find an agent that can get a paramedical to do the exam for you.
You will need to tell the provider your height, weight, date of birth, lifestyle habits, and financial situation on the application.
How to Get Life Insurance
The first step in getting life insurance is determining which type you need. Once you’ve done that, you can find an agent and begin the process of applying.
How to Keep Life Insurance Affordable
The best way to get affordable life insurance is to make sure you take care of yourself. Your mental health, as well as your physical health, should be your top priority. Make sure that you are eating well and exercising. Quit smoking if you struggle with that addiction.
Do whatever it takes to ensure that you are in good health. Living a healthy life will significantly lower your premiums.
Insurance Is Important to Invest In
Whether you are in college or are an older adult, insurance is important to invest in and acquire. We’ve looked at four types, but there’s still so much more to learn about the subject. Do what you can to educate yourself and others about it. It will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.
Get Your Simple Budget Spreadsheet
Investing in these insurance policies will save you financially later? With the Simple Budget Spreadsheet, you’ll be able to track your expenses and savings. It’s easy to use and compatible with Google Docs and Microsoft Excel.
Look through this insurance 101 guide again so that you can better understand insurance and how it works. Do your own research and put terms into your own words so that you can retain the information better. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification and insight from those with more insurance experience than you.
It’s a wise choice to get into the habit of protecting yourself, your assets, and your financial future, even as a recent graduate. Familiarizing yourself with these policies will make future decisions like home insurance or small business insurance even easier.
Was this insurance 101 guide helpful? Are you covered?
More About Guest Contributor
Peyton Leonard writes and researches for the insurance comparison site, USInsuranceAgents.com. Peyton is passionate about educating others about the importance of having and understanding insurance.
Last Updated on December 19, 2024
Angela says
I would love for there to be one insurance bundle that covers all the things.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Angela,
I super agree! If there was one insurance that covers everything life will be a little easier especially when managing them.
Karen says
This guide was super helpful, with so much important insurance information. thanks for putting it together!
It's All You Boo says
Happy to share all these information, Karen! My pleasure!
Bellab says
This is such a great guide, insurance its so important. I had to find good insurance for my house because we have a wood stove that’s heats are house
It's All You Boo says
Goodluck on your insurance hunting, Bellab! Happy to share information here!
Jen @ JENRON DESIGNS says
So much good information that people really need to know about as adults. I think a lot of people do not put stock into this until they need it, then it is too late. I grew up with a father that sold life insurance so I alway heard about the benefits.
It's All You Boo says
Good to know that you are well informed about insurance. It’s always better to have it now when you still dont need it than have it later.
Sharon says
With insurance being a cornerstone of your family both financial well-being and physical health, it’s important to make sure you know all the ins and outs.
It's All You Boo says
I agree, we all need to be well informed and familiar with all kinds of insurances and how much we need them.
Marysa says
Insurance is so important and it can be complicated too. This is very informative and a good way to know if you are covered.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Marysa,
Insurance is essential and we all have to be very knowledgeable about it.
Amber S Battishill says
So much great information! We actually just went over all of our insurance info to make sure that we were properly covered.
It's All You Boo says
Hi Amber,
Glad to hear that you are all covered! Happy to share all these information!