
Generally, the following types of insurance can be purchased for a car: 1. Compulsory Traffic Accident Liability Insurance: This is a mandatory insurance that must be purchased before registering the vehicle at the vehicle management office. It is compulsory and must be paid on time. 2. Third-Party Liability Insurance: This insurance serves as an effective supplement to the compulsory insurance, as the compensation limit of the compulsory insurance is limited and relatively low. Third-party liability insurance offers more comprehensive coverage. 3. Vehicle Damage Insurance: This insurance compensates for the loss of your own vehicle. The premium for vehicle damage insurance is closely related to the purchase price of the vehicle and the number of seats. Generally, the higher the vehicle price, the higher the premium. 4. Spontaneous Combustion Loss Insurance: This insurance mainly covers the liability for compensation due to spontaneous combustion caused by aging circuits or fuel supply issues. In case of accidental fire, you can apply for insurance compensation.

Over the past few years while helping friends choose car insurance, I've found that the most worry-free combination for new car owners is compulsory traffic insurance + vehicle damage insurance + third-party liability insurance. Compulsory traffic insurance is mandatory by the state with no alternative, serving as basic coverage. Vehicle damage insurance covers your own repair costs - new drivers inevitably have minor collisions; last time I reversed into a wall and it saved me over 4,000 yuan. Third-party liability covers others, and with so many luxury cars on the road now, I directly opt for 3 million coverage to prevent potential scams. Seat insurance depends on circumstances - if you frequently carry family members, add it for 50 yuan per person covering 100,000 medical expenses. Don't get tricked by salespeople into buying glass or water damage insurance - regular family cars don't need them.

When I bought my first car, the insurance company recommended over a dozen types of coverage, which really confused me. Later, I realized that car insurance is like a phone case—just pick the practical ones. Compulsory traffic insurance is a must without question; vehicle damage insurance is necessary, especially for new cars; third-party liability insurance must cover at least two million, as even hitting an electric scooter these days could bankrupt you in compensation. Among the additional coverages, I’d suggest adding medical expenses beyond the standard health insurance, otherwise, you’ll have to pay out of pocket if the injured party uses imported medications. After five years of driving, I’ve found other coverages like spontaneous combustion insurance or scratch insurance basically useless. In big cities, with so many surveillance cameras, even theft insurance can be skipped.

The other day, my young neighbor asked me what insurance to buy for his new car. I told him there are three essentials: compulsory traffic insurance as the foundation, vehicle damage insurance to cover repairs for your own car, and third-party liability insurance to prevent being unable to afford compensation for others. Car repairs are so expensive nowadays—even replacing a headlight can cost two to three thousand. It's best to opt for three million in third-party coverage; that way, you're covered even if you hit an electric scooter. Don't be fooled into buying glass insurance unless you're driving through construction sites daily. Oh, and remember to add the no-deductible clause, or you'll have to pay out of pocket when filing a claim. With ten years of driving experience, I rely on this combo, keeping my premiums just over two thousand.


