An SR-22 is a form that shows that you have auto insurance. It is required by the state for drivers who are high risk. Here are some of the reasons a state might require you to file an SR-22 form:

» DUI (drunk driving).
» Serious moving violations such as reckless driving.
» Racking up a lot of highway points in a short period of time.
» Being pegged as a habitual traffic offender.
» Causing an accident while uninsured.

Regulations vary from state to state, but high-risk drivers usually have to carry SR-22 insurance for three years.

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Depending on what kind of damage your car suffers, one of your physical damage coverages - comprehensive or collision insurance - will pay for the damages.

If your car is hit by a deer or other animal, stolen, catches on fire, or is vandalized, your comprehensive coverage will kick in.

If you crash into something and crunch your car, your collision coverage will kick in.

Both of these coverages are optional and, of course, adding them to your policy will raise your insurance premium.

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If this is your first car, yes, you'll have to buy auto insurance before you drive your shiny new car off the dealer's lot. If you are financing the purchase, the lender will require that you buy a policy with comprehensive and collision coverages. If you have owned a vehicle and already have an auto insurance policy, that will generally cover your new automobile for a period of up to 30 days after you buy it. Once that 30-day period is up, you'll have to talk with your agent or company representative to insure that new vehicle.

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In most cases, yes, as long as they have the permission or reasonable belief from the insured that they can use the vehicle. The insured is the person named on the insurance policy and their spouse if applicable.

There are some exclusions, so you would need to look at your particular insurance policy to make sure. Remember, everyone in your household must be listed on your insurance policy if they have a license. For example, if a girlfriend you live with uses your car, she may not be covered if you did not list her on your insurance policy. On the other hand, if you live separately, she could use your car with your permission and be covered.

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Collision coverage is when you have a collision with something like another car. Comprehensive coverage is when it is anything else other than a collision such as fire or theft. Most people would have both coverages when using the car on a regular basis.

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In most cases, yes. Automobile insurance policies require every licensed person in your household to be listed on your insurance policy unless they have a completely separate policy of their own. This includes a teenager who just received his or her license, or a college student who still uses your address as his or her residence and/or visits regularly on weekends, vacations, etc.

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A deductible is the amount of each claim you agree to pay on collision or comprehensive coverage. Your insurer will pay the difference between the claim amount and the deductible. For example, if your claim is $2000 and your deductible is $500, your insurer will pay $1500 and you will pay $500.

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Some insurance companies offer discounts for off-street parking, others offer discounts to policyholders who own a home, or offer a multi-policy discount if you purchase your automobile and homeowners insurance together.

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Stolen or damaged items from within your car are not covered by your auto insurance policy. Most policies will only cover smaller and less expensive items like CDs, but if you carry more expensive things, you will want to consider adding a rider to your home insurance policy. Keeping photos or video of your items is also a good idea. If something is stolen from your car, you may have to file a claim on your home insurance if you do not have a rider in place.

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If the car is registered to you, and she is not considered a resident of the state where she is attending school, she can be covered on your policy. Check with the State Department of Motor Vehicles to determine whether the car needs to be registered in that state, and your insurance changed accordingly.

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