With so many different coverages, it’s hard to know what’s right for you. Understanding the different types of coverages can help you find the right car insurance policy for your needs and budget. Learn about types of auto insurance coverage with GEICO.
What is car insurance?
Car insurance helps provide financial protection for you, your family, other passengers, and your vehicle. You can choose the amount of protection by selecting your coverages and limits. An auto insurance policy can provide coverage for:
- Accidents
- Liability
- Medical expenses
- Property
- Vehicles
Understanding Your Auto Insurance
Your auto insurance policy consists of multiple coverages that provide protection in different situations involving your vehicle. Coverages have different limits and may have deductibles. Specific coverages and limits may also be required by a lienholder or lender.
To better understand your policy, there are several insurance terms you should know:
- Coverage: protection and benefits provided to you
- Limits: maximum amount of protection for a specific coverage
- Policy: contract between you and your insurance company
- Premium: price of your insurance policy
- Deductible: portion you pay out of pocket, if you file a claim
When you compare car insurance rates, make sure they’re for the same coverages, deductibles, and limits. Shopping for car insurance is easy and fast with GEICO. Learn more about how auto insurance rates are determined.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage
First, let us clarify that there’s no such thing as “full coverage.” Some people may say “full coverage” means the minimum liability coverages for their state, comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. But it could also mean something else. Ultimately, you should choose the coverages that are right for you. “Full coverage” is an insurance myth.
What are the different types of coverages? Auto insurance includes liability coverages, vehicle coverages, coverages for yourself, and other optional coverages.*
Liability Coverages
Liability Coverages include:
- Bodily Injury liability: pays damages for bodily injury or death resulting from an accident for which you are at fault
- Property Damage liability: pays for damage to someone else’s property resulting from an accident for which you are at fault
For serious accidents, you want enough insurance to cover a judgment against you in a lawsuit without jeopardizing your personal assets. Therefore, it’s a good idea to have the same level of bodily injury coverage for all your cars. You may also want to consider an umbrella policy which provides additional coverage for more serious accidents and lawsuits.
Medical Coverages
- Medical Payments coverage: may pay medical expenses related to a car accident
- Personal Injury Protection coverage: may pay for your medical treatment, lost wages, or other accident-related expenses regardless of who caused the accident
Uninsured Motorist Coverages
- Uninsured Motorist coverage: may help compensate you for your injuries or property damage caused by a driver without insurance
- Underinsured Motorist coverage: can protect you from at-fault drivers with insufficient insurance coverage to pay your claim
Vehicle Coverages
- Collision coverage: may pay for damage to your car when it hits, or is hit by, another vehicle or other object
- Comprehensive coverage: may pay for damage to your car from theft, vandalism, flood, fire or other covered losses
You may be able to lower your premium if you select a higher deductible. If you have an older vehicle you may want to consider whether you need these coverages as they are normally limited to the cash value of your car.
Additional Auto Insurance Coverages
There’s a lot to learn about auto insurance coverages. If you have questions, contact our licensed insurance agents at (800) 861-8380.
How much car insurance do I need?
The right amount of auto insurance coverage comes down to your needs, budget, and state requirements. Some things to keep in mind when choosing your coverage are:
- Which coverages and limits does my state require for all drivers?
- Does my lienholder have coverage requirements?
- Do I need to protect any other assets, such as my home?
- How much can I afford to pay out of pocket at any given time?
- What is my vehicle worth now?
We recommend checking your state insurance minimums and reviewing all coverage options to make sure you have the right coverage. Our Coverage Calculator can help you find the right amount of coverage and the right deductible to fit your budget.
Why should I buy my auto insurance from GEICO?
Five reasons to buy an auto insurance policy from GEICO:
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- Contact us 24/7/365
- Easily manage your policy on the GEICO insurance app
- You could save up to 15% with our cheap car insurance rates
- Multi-policy discount when you combine home and auto insurance
Sponsored Guide
Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)
If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.
📌 What is NSFAS?
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.
NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:
- Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
- Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.
✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?
To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:
- Be a South African citizen.
- Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
- Have a valid South African ID.
- Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
- Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).
📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS
NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.
If you’re studying:
- Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
- Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.
📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application
When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:
- Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
- Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
- Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
- Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
- Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
- Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).
🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online
Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)
-
Visit the NSFAS Website
Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za
-
Create an Account
- Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
- You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
- Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
-
Login and Start the Application
- After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
-
Fill in Your Personal Details
- Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
- Provide household income information and living arrangements.
-
Upload Required Documents
- Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
- Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
-
Submit Your Application
- Review your application for accuracy.
- Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
-
Track Your Application
- Log in regularly to check your application status.
- You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.
🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)
- Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
- Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
- Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
- Disbursement: After registration and approval
Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.
💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?
NSFAS funding typically includes:
- Tuition fees
- Registration fees
- Accommodation (if living away from home)
- Meals and transport
- Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)
For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).
🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment
Repayments are:
- Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
- Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
- Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.
You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.
🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application
If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:
- Log into your MyNSFAS account.
- Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
- If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
- Upload any missing or corrected documents.
- Provide a clear explanation or motivation.
📱 NSFAS Contact Information
- Website: https://www.nsfas.org.za
- Email: info@nsfas.org.za
- Toll-Free Number: 08000 67327 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM)
- Twitter: @myNSFAS
- Facebook: NSFAS
📝 Final Tips Before Applying
- Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
- Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
- Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
- Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.
By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.