Types

• The basic auto policy will entail six components: bodily injury, personal property liability, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection and uninsured motorist, according to BankRate.com.
  
  

Function

• Bodily injury and personal property liability coverage provides payments to another when you have caused physical injuries or damaged personal property, according to BankRate.com. Collision coverage insures against loss or damage when you hit another vehicle or non-vehicle, such as a mailbox, while comprehensive coverage insures against theft or damage caused by natural disaster.
  
  Personal injury protection provides medical payments and lost wages to you and your passengers who are injured in an accident. Uninsured motorist provides coverage in the event you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or under-insured motorist.
  
  

Considerations

• When renting a vehicle, check with your auto insurance carrier to find out whether your auto coverage extends to the rental vehicle, which could save you on daily insurance fees that many rental car companies charge.