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IDOI > Consumers > Auto Insurance Auto Insurance

Selecting good auto insurance is important. However, our Department cannot recommend specific companies. You may choose from companies which have local or non local agents. The services of the local agent may be of importance when you buy the policy or when you have a claim. Agents can be 'captive' to only one insurance company or 'independent' and represent several companies. It is better to talk with more than one agent and more than one company while researching auto insurance.

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Auto Policy Protection

Auto policies typically provide the following types of coverage:

  • Bodily Injury Liability:
    Pays, up to the limits of the policy, for injuries to other people you cause with your car.
  • Property Damage Liability:
    Pays, up to the limits of the policy, for damage to other people’s property caused by your car.
  • Medical Payments:
    Pays medical bills incurred by you and usually your passengers, up to the limits of the policy, if injured while riding in, entering or getting out of the car.
  • Collision:
    Subject to a deductible. It will pay for damage to your car caused by collision or upset.
  • Comprehensive:
    Pays for damages to your car caused by perils other then collision or upset. This includes such losses as theft, fire, a windstorm and glass breakage. A deductible may apply.
  • Other:
    There are other coverage’s such as towing and car rental which may be available.

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Setting Rates

Our Department does not set auto rates. However, companies must file their rates and forms with us before they are implemented. If the rates are fair, adequate, and not excessive or unfairly discriminatory, the companies may use them. This permits competition to exist and enables Indiana citizens to buy insurance at a fair price. The rates are open for public inspection.

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Automobile Rates

Automobile Rates vary according to many factors. When comparing costs, be sure each company is quoting on the same basis. The least expensive policy is not always the best policy. Some rating factors insurance companies may use are:

  • Age and Sex
  • Marital Status
  • Driver Record
  • Car Use
  • Place of Residence
  • Policy Limits
  • Deductibles
  • Type of Car
  • Driver Training
  • Claims History
  • Credit Scores

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Cancellation or Non-Renewal Restrictions

Insurance companies must follow certain guidelines to cancel or non-renew an insurance policy in Indiana. Insurance companies may cancel your policy within the first 60 days of a new policy. After your policy is in effect 60 days, the company cannot cancel except for certain reasons, such as your failure to pay the premium or losing your license to drive. At the end of the policy period, the company may refuse to renew your policy, but they must give you 20 days advance notice.

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Auto Damages/Injuries from Uninsured Motorists

Each newly written Indiana auto liability policy must include uninsured and underinsured motorist’s coverage unless you reject this in writing. Minimum liability limits are:

  • Uninsured Motorists: Bodily Injury: $25,000/$50,000
  • Property Damage: $10,000
  • Under insured Motorists: Bodily Injury: $50,000

The uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage allows you to collect these damages from your own insurance company.

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What is an SR-21 or Certificate of Compliance?

An SR-21 or a Certificate of Compliance is a form that must be filed by your auto liability insurance agent after an accident or following a traffic violation. Filing this form certifies your financial responsibility. The most common proof of financial responsibility is your automobile liability insurance policy. This form is required by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles

DO NOT SEND ANY COMPLETED SR-21 FORMS to the IDOI. It may not reach the BMV, and you could end up losing your license for failure to file it.

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Turned down by an Insurance Company?

You can apply for the Indiana Auto Insurance Plan through any insurance agent in Indiana.  Each insurance company licensed in Indiana must participate in this program taking its’ share of the drivers who have difficulty buying insurance.

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