Your Car Insurance Policy

What are the most common types of car insurance policies?

Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture
By Ava Lynch
Updated May 23, 2022
Edited By Renata Balasco

What is an auto insurance policy?

Your car insurance policy determines your coverage and your premium. In short, it is a way to organize car insurance coverage options to meet your needs. In this article, we’ll outline some popular car insurance policy types as well as some popular policies that may not exist exactly as advertised.


Popular car insurance policy types

Below are some popular and standard car insurance policy classifications. You can purchase these policies from national and local insurance providers.

6-Month Car Insurance Car Insurance for Renters
12-Month Car Insurance Car Insurance for Condo Owners
6-vs-12-Month Car Insurance Car Insurance for Homeowners
Car Insurance for Multiple Drivers Car Insurance for Shared Vehicles
Car Insurance for Multiple Vehicles Car Insurance with Kids
Named Driver Policy Car Insurance with a Nanny

 

Company and state-specific policies

Below are policies often subject to state and company-specific requirements. These are not always available.

Car Insurance with Telematics AARP Car Insurance
Pay-Per-Mile Car Insurance AARP vs. AAA Car Insurance
Car Insurance for Commuters Costco Car Insurance
Car Insurance for Pleasure Use Drivers GEICO vs. Costco Car Insurance
Pleasure vs. Commuting Car Insurance State Farm vs. Costco Car Insurance

 

Commonly advertised policies

There are many policies that are advertised by insurance companies that don’t actually exist as marketed. Below are some policy types worth being aware of. If you're interested in these policies, follow the link to learn more about alternative options.

 

If you’re looking for other auto insurance policies, see the additional resources below!

 

Ready to shop for insurance?  See the following to get started.

RECENT QUESTIONS

Am I being overcharged for my policy?

Many companies require that if you are married and live with your spouse, you must list them on your policy as a driver, whether they drive your vehicle or not. Since your wife is not licensed, I would suggest shopping around for a policy with a company that does not require that spouses be listed.
Nov 19, 2020 Buford, GA

Can an insurance company force add me to a policy even if I do not drive?

Insurance companies generally require any household member of driving age be listed on a policy. Policyholders normally have the option, however, to "exclude" anyone they don't want added to their policy.
Sep 29, 2017 Denver, CO

If my dad purchased a car and put me on the insurance policy, can that be revoked when he dies?

If your dad were to pass during a term that was paid for, you would not be removed. The insurance plan would end at the expiration date and you would then need to find yourself a new plan.
Jan 12, 2021 Tipton, IN

Is my fiancé covered to drive my car if she is not listed on my policy?

If she will be driving the vehicle more than once per month then she will need to be listed as a driver on your policy. If she is not listed and involved in an accident while driving your vehicle then you could be faced with a denied insurance claim.
Oct 19, 2016 Chicago, IL
See More Questions Ask a Question
Ava Lynch photo
Ava LynchSenior Analyst

Ava worked in the insurance industry as an agent for four-plus years.

Ava currently provides insights and data analysis as one of The Zebra's property and casualty insurance experts. Her work has been featured in publications such as U.S. News & World Report, GasBuddy, Car and Driver, and Yahoo! Finance.

Learn more about Ava Lynch Right arrow icon

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.

  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.

  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.