As a new driver, you may be ready to hit the road and enjoy the independence that comes from having your own vehicle. However, as much as you look forward to driving, you must appreciate the legal, safety, and financial risks that can come with it.

To mitigate these risks, you need to when, why, and for how much to insure your vehicle. You can head out on the road safely by purchasing car insurance.

Legal Requirements

If you wonder whether or not you should buy car insurance, you can move ahead with this investment by realizing that it is legally required of all drivers. You cannot legally head out on the road without having your car insured with at least liability coverage.

Liability coverage pays for damage that you inflict on other property owners, such as other motorists and homeowners or business owners if you cause a wreck. While it will not pay for your personal damages, including towing, repairs, or medical expenses, it will pay for the repairs, tows, and medical costs of people, vehicles, and other structures that you hit with your car.

Lowering Personal Financial Repercussions

However, when you invest in full coverage car insurance for your vehicle, you can lower your own personal financial obligations that you incur as a driver. For example, if you hit another motorist and cause a wreck, your full coverage auto insurance will pay for the damage that you caused to the other motorist. Additionally, your full coverage car insurance will pay for your car to be towed from the accident scene. It will also pay for your car's body damages, such as broken glass or a dented bumper, after you pay your deductible. 

Medical Coverage

Finally, your car insurance can double as medical coverage if you get hurt in your car. For example, if you shut your hand in the car door and break a finger, you can have your medical treatments billed to your car insurer. In fact, your health insurer may not agree to cover this treatment if you were hurt in or by your vehicle and you have an active car insurance policy in place.

Car insurance can lower the legal and financial risks that you take on as a driver. It can pay for damages that you cause other drivers. Full coverage also pays for your damages. Contact an auto insurance agency to learn more.