Car insurance quotes and obvious wording in policies

It would be better if the world was an easier place, if everything was straightforward. But it's not. Sadly, the world is a hard place and seller take your money without having to deliver the service whenever possible. The Romans had a saying, "caveat emptor". It means, "let the buyer beware". So the good advice from two thousand years ago is always read the small print before you sign the agreement. That way, you avoid the bad deals or, if there are likely to be problems, you can see where they are and work round them. If there's anything you don't understand, ask. You usually find companies are obliging before you sign. They want to appear willing so they can take your money.
Let's start with the good news. The courts in most states operate the rule that any ambiguity in the policy is always resolved in your favor. Courts reckon insurers can afford the best attorneys to write the contracts. If they can't get the wording clear enough, that's their problem and they have to pay out on your claims. But if the wording of the agreement is clear, you're caught by whatever it says. If you never bothered to read the policy or read it and failed to understand, that's your problem.
As an example, here's a recent case from sunny Florida. M lived on her own. She owned and insured a car, but allowed her granddaughter to drive it. Her granddaughter lived with her parents at a separate address. On the fateful day, the granddaughter was driving the car with the family as passengers. There was an accident. The driver and passengers were injured. So here comes the first question. Can you say who your "relatives" are? That's easy, isn't it. This is anyone related to you by blood or marriage, and it has nothing to do with where they live. So if the policy says the insurer will pay on a claim when the car is driven by the insured and his or her relatives, you know what that means. Does the policy also cover the car when it's driven by anyone else with the insured's consent? That can be important if, for some reason, you need a neighbor or friend to drive you around.
So what do you make of this phrase: there's no coverage for any injuries to an insured or a family member living with the insured. Is the "insured" always M, the policyholder paying the premium installments, or does it include relatives or others driving with the owner's consent? The Florida appeals court has just held the word "insured" always refers to the driver. This meant the granddaughter and her parents could not claim for their injuries because they lived together in the same house. You would have known that, right? This car insurance policy is unambiguous. You didn't think M was the insured and so the driver and her passengers could claim?
Courts have a habit of thinking some words have obvious meanings. If you are covered when you drive, you are insured no matter whether you pay the premium. So to prevent being caught, read the policy before signing. Don't just accept the car insurance quotes on the basis of cost. If you have any doubt, ask what the policy means.

Car Insurance Coverage Types

Car insurance comes in different coverage types and amounts. Knowing the types of car insurance is essential to getting a good policy for less; learning is made easy here.

Liability Coverage

Comprehensive

Medical

Uninsured Motorist

Underinsured Motorist