The top 5 mistakes people make when buying auto insurance

Introduction

Auto insurance is something nearly every driver needs, yet most people don’t fully understand what they’re buying. Too often, decisions are made based only on price, and that can lead to financial disaster after an accident. At Guardians of the States, serving Central Valley and all of Orange County, we see the same mistakes repeated by drivers year after year. The good news? With the right knowledge, you can avoid them and secure coverage that truly protects you.

Mistake 1: Choosing coverage based only on price

It’s tempting to shop for auto insurance the same way you might shop for a plane ticket—by picking the lowest price. But unlike travel deals, insurance isn’t a short-term purchase. A bare-bones policy may look affordable, but it often leaves critical gaps.

For example, a minimum liability-only policy might cover damages you cause to another vehicle but won’t help pay for repairs to your own car. Worse, if the accident is severe, the damages could exceed your policy limits, leaving you personally responsible for thousands of dollars.

Instead of asking, “What’s the cheapest policy I can get?” ask, “What coverage gives me the protection I actually need?” Working with a broker helps strike the right balance between affordability and security.

Mistake 2: Not understanding New York’s minimum requirements

Every state sets its own minimum auto insurance requirements. In New York, drivers must carry liability insurance that covers:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person ($50,000 if the injury results in death).
• $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident ($100,000 if deaths occur).
• $10,000 for property damage per accident.

While these are the legal minimums, they’re rarely enough to fully cover expenses after a serious accident. Medical costs, legal fees, and repair bills can add up quickly, and any amount over your policy limit comes out of your pocket. Many drivers mistakenly assume “minimum required” equals “fully protected.” Unfortunately, that isn’t true.

Mistake 3: Skipping uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Here’s a scenario many drivers overlook: what happens if you get hit by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance—or worse, has none at all?

In the U.S., about 1 in 8 drivers is uninsured. Even more carry only the minimum coverage, which may not be enough to pay for damages. Without uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, you could end up paying for someone else’s mistake.

This coverage is not expensive, and in New York, it’s one of the smartest add-ons you can make to your policy. It ensures that even if the other driver can’t pay, you’re not left stranded with repair or medical costs.

Mistake 4: Overlooking deductibles

Many drivers are so focused on monthly premiums that they forget about deductibles—the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in.

A lower monthly premium usually means a higher deductible. That might save you a little each month, but imagine being in an accident and realizing you need to pay $1,500 or $2,000 before your insurer contributes a dime.

When choosing a deductible, make sure it’s an amount you could realistically afford at short notice. Otherwise, your insurance might feel useless when you need it most.

Mistake 5: Not using a broker to review coverage

Auto insurance can be complex, and without guidance, it’s easy to miss important details. Buying directly from an insurance company may seem quick, but you’re essentially on your own.

A broker like Guardians of the States works for you—not the insurance companies. We review your needs, compare multiple carriers, and make sure you’re not paying for unnecessary extras or missing vital protections. Plus, we provide support if you ever need to file a claim, so you’re not left dealing with the paperwork and stress alone.

Bonus mistake: Forgetting to update your policy

Life changes quickly—new cars, new drivers in the household, or even moving to a new area can all affect your insurance. Too often, drivers forget to update their policy until after an accident, only to find out their coverage doesn’t match their situation.

Brokers help prevent this by checking in regularly and keeping your coverage current. That way, you’re never caught off guard.

Conclusion

Auto insurance isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting your financial future. By avoiding these common mistakes—choosing only by price, sticking with bare minimums, skipping uninsured motorist coverage, ignoring deductibles, and going without expert help—you can save yourself from massive out-of-pocket expenses and stress down the road.

At Guardians of the States, our job is to make sure drivers across Central Valley and Orange County have the right protection at the right price. Don’t gamble with your coverage—talk to a broker who knows the local risks and will put your needs first.