What insurance do I need to buy for a car?

[Nolan]

For a car, you need to purchase commercial insurance and compulsory traffic insurance. Commercial insurance is for commercial purposes and is voluntarily chosen by the car owner. Compulsory traffic insurance is a mandatory insurance required by the state, where the insurance company compensates for personal injury, death, or property loss (excluding the vehicle's occupants and the insured) caused by the insured vehicle in a road traffic accident within the liability limits. The main types of commercial insurance include vehicle damage insurance (comprehensive coverage), third-party liability insurance, theft insurance, and passenger liability insurance. Vehicle damage insurance refers to compensation provided by the insurer for losses to the insured vehicle caused by natural disasters (excluding earthquakes) or accidents within the scope of insurance liability, according to the terms of the insurance contract.

[MayaRose]

Buying insurance for my sedan was quite overwhelming when I first got the car. As a new car owner, I learned that the legally required compulsory traffic insurance is a must—it covers third-party losses, like if I hit someone else’s car. For commercial insurance, I opted for third-party liability coverage with a minimum sum insured of 1 million yuan, so I wouldn’t face financial ruin in case of an accident. Vehicle damage insurance is also practical, as the insurer covers repairs for my own car. I added a bit more to the passenger liability insurance—it’s affordable and protects passengers. I skipped theft insurance since I park in a secure underground garage. Paying the total cost of a few thousand yuan annually saves me 100-200 yuan compared to monthly payments, and it gives me much more peace of mind while driving. My advice is to shop around—comparing quotes online is the fastest way.

[LawsonMarie]

I've been driving a car for over a decade and need to be meticulous with insurance. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory by law with no room for negotiation. For commercial insurance, I always opt for third-party liability coverage of around 2 million to protect against hefty compensation in case of rear-ending luxury cars. Vehicle damage insurance depends on your car's condition—worth it for new cars but can be skipped for older ones. Passenger liability insurance costs just a few dozen yuan and is worthwhile. Additional coverage like spontaneous combustion or glass insurance depends on urban conditions—for instance, buying glass coverage in cold winter-prone areas where glass is prone to cracking. For claims, choose major companies like Ping An or PICC for reliable service, fast claims, and possible discounts. Always ask about promotions when renewing annually—you can often save a few hundred yuan.

[Roberto]

As a mom who often takes kids out, car insurance should prioritize safety. Compulsory traffic insurance is the basic coverage for others. In commercial insurance, third-party liability coverage should not be too low to avoid financial burden on the family; comprehensive insurance makes car repairs hassle-free; I always buy passenger liability insurance to protect kids in the back seat. Additional flood insurance is considered due to frequent rainy seasons in the south, fearing water damage. Don’t skimp on insurance—choose a reliable company for smooth claims. Annual premiums around a thousand are most cost-effective; avoid small amounts for convenience.

[DelJesse]

After retirement, I prioritize stability when driving. Compulsory traffic insurance is essential to cover others' compensation. For commercial insurance, I always opt for third-party liability coverage of 2 million to prevent unexpected expenses; vehicle damage insurance makes repairs hassle-free; passenger liability insurance protects my spouse's safety while riding; as an add-on, spontaneous combustion insurance gives me peace of mind since older cars are prone to overheating. I skipped theft insurance for parking safety to save costs. Buying insurance online via an app is convenient, with automatic renewal reminders to avoid forgetting. Spreading payments monthly is easier to manage and saves money compared to annual payments.