Personal casualty coverages, including personal auto
Personal auto mechanics
A personal auto policy covers liability, medical payments or personal injury protection, uninsured and underinsured motorists, collision, and other than collision, plus endorsements such as towing and rental. Liability pays damages for which the insured is legally responsible. Collision covers impact with another object. Other than collision covers theft, fire, glass, and similar causes. Deductibles commonly apply to physical damage. The policy follows the described auto and also extends to certain non-owned autos, subject to definitions and exclusions.
Traps
Permission matters. A permissive driver is usually an insured, but a vehicle furnished for regular use is often excluded. Business use, delivery, racing, intentional acts, and using a vehicle without a reasonable belief of permission are common exclusions. Check limits as split limits or a single limit. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverages are not the same, and stacking rules vary. Do not ignore newly acquired auto timeframes and duties after an accident.
Worked example
A friend borrows the insured's car with permission and causes a crash. The friend is generally an insured under the owner's policy for that use. If the friend had regular access to the car, an exclusion may apply. Rule of thumb: first identify the vehicle, then the driver's permission and use, then the coverage part and limit. Do not start with who owns the car alone.