What is really included in your policy?
Updated February 2026
Do you know what’s in your auto insurance policy? Many people are surprised to learn — after a car crash or other vehicle mishap — that something important is not covered. That is not a good thing. Let’s take a look at some of the misconceptions and clear up the auto insurance confusion.
My auto policy covers what?
The Insurance Information Institute reported on a recent survey conducted by Trust Advisor (national survey of 400 insurance policyholders). The results of this survey yielded several very interesting findings about people’s understanding of what insurance covers. Results specifically addressing auto insurance were enlightening. The first finding was that 55% did not realize that a standard auto policy does not include using a vehicle for business. Second, 44% believed that personal items stolen from your car would be covered by your auto policy. In fact, your homeowner or renters insurance would cover these stolen items. Another question revealed that 57% of respondents were unaware that parking tickets usually will not cause your auto insurance premium to increase.
The basic conclusion here is that many drivers don’t really understand what the specific elements of their coverage mean. In other words, they don’t have a handle on what would be covered under various circumstances.
Test your knowledge
Here are questions from a similar survey, conducted back in 2022 by Forbes Advisor (no longer available online). The types of questions asked remain important today. Do you know the correct answers? Answers below.
- If you cause an accident, what type of car insurance would pay for the other driver’s vehicle damage?
- If a tree crushed your car roof, what type of auto insurance would pay?
- If you accidentally crashed into a neighbor’s fence, what type of auto insurance would pay for the fence?
- If you backed into a pole, what type of car insurance would pay for your car damage?
- If your car is damaged by a flood, what type of auto insurance would pay for the damage?
- If someone else crashes into you and they are injured but they don’t have car insurance, what type of car insurance would pay for their medical bills? Choices: liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist coverage, none of the above.
To do: Find out what’s in your auto policy
If you are not confident that you know exactly what’s in your auto insurance policy, maybe it’s time for a review. The aftermath of a car crash (or other vehicle mishap) is no time for surprises. Learn more about types of auto policy coverages and how much auto liability insurance you really need. Next, call your Bradish agent to review your policy with you. Your agent can help to make sure you fully understand what is covered and what is not. You may discover you need to add something, or that something is no longer necessary. In any case, it will be good to know what to expect in an emergency.
1. Liability coverage. 2. Comprehensive coverage. 3. Liability coverage. 4. Collision coverage. 5. Comprehensive coverage. 6. Answer: None of the above.
by Kris A. Mainellis
