Trying to find an alternate route to work when nearly 280,000 other commuters are scrambling to find their way into the city can definitely increase the odds of getting involved in a fender-bender. San Francisco Bay area interstate travelers will be the first to tell you that you cannot predict accidents or catastrophes. Whether you are involved in a natural disaster, auto accident or other catastrophe, insurance plays an important role in securing your funds for the future. Californian or not, it’s always important to see what auto insurance coverage your state suggests or requires.

There’s a long stretch of road between Redding and San Diego, California – which means many opportunities for unexpected auto accidents to occur. The Bay Bridge between Oakland and San Francisco, for example, is a hotbed of confusion and congestion that travelers are trying to navigate and conquer.

Between the excitement of summer and trying to secure your vacation plans, preparing for an auto disaster is probably the last thing on your mind. But the summer heat and unexpected bumps in the road can both wreak havoc on your auto and put you in jeopardy if you’re not prepared. If something happens while you’re driving down that long California interstate, are you covered? Let’s sift through your car insurance policy to consider your options:

What coverages are included in an auto insurance package?

When you purchase auto insurance, you usually have several options – you can purchase medical, liability, property and under/uninsured motorist coverage.

Medical coverage in an auto insurance package will take care of treating injuries to those in the policyholder’s automobile. Medical coverage will be provided if the person is a passenger or hit as a pedestrian.

Liability is your financial responsibility to someone for damage you cause – whether the damage is to another person or to someone’s property. When you purchase liability coverage, the insurance company agrees to defend you in court and/or reimburse the other party for damages you cause.

California state laws require motorists to purchase the following liability insurance amounts.

$15,000 - bodily injury liability for one person injured in an accident
$30,000 – bodily injury liability for all injuries in one accident
$5,000 – property damage liability for one accident

Covering property damage includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage insures accidental damage to the auto including fire, wind, sleet, theft, vandalism and similar damages.

Collision coverage reimburses for damage caused by colliding with another object, regardless of who or what is at fault.

What happens if the person that hits you is uninsured or does not have proper coverage to take care of your entire loss? Purchasing uninsured and/or underinsured motorist coverage will cover both of those situations.

If you have not glanced through your auto insurance policy in awhile, it’s time to consider reviewing it. The warm summer weather means your air conditioning will be running longer and your engine will be working harder. It’s important to take time right now and make sure you will be covered if you find yourself stuck on that long stretch of California road between Redding and San Diego.