Who Needs Auto Insurance? Here’s What I Know…

So here’s the thing: If you’re driving, chances are you need car insurance. Not trying to scare you or anything—it’s just one of those things. Like taxes. Or forgetting where you parked when you’re in a rush.

I used to think it was just for people who get into crashes a lot (spoiler alert: it’s not). The truth? It’s kinda for everyone who touches a steering wheel. Even if you only drive sometimes. Even if you’re careful. Even if you drive like your grandma’s watching. Still need it.

You buy auto insurance not just ‘cause it’s law (though yeah—it usually is). It’s more than that, I realized. It’s about protection—mine, theirs, yours, whoever.

Why I Got Auto Insurance (And Why You Might Too)

First off, the government kind of makes you. Not like in a scary way, but in a “you can’t register your car if you don’t” kind of way. In most states, anyway. There’s exceptions, but not many.

Plus if you’re in a wreck (and hey, things happen), you’d want coverage. Like, imagine rear-ending someone and having no insurance. What are you gonna do—sell your TV? Yeah, no thanks.

It’s not just about me either. Insurance also protect the other guy. Say you hit someone’s car. You might owe them thousands, and guess who’s not writing that check? Me. My insurance is.

Who, Exactly, Needs Auto Insurance?

Let me break it up, just a bit. It’s easier to digest that way.

1. People Who Own Cars

If you got a car in your name, yup—you’re on the list. Whether you drive it every day or it’s just chillin’ in the driveway collecting bird poop, you’ll probably need insurance. I tried skipping a month once—bad idea. Lenders don’t like that. They really don’t.

2. Daily Drivers Like Me

I drive to work. I drive to get groceries. I drive when I need to clear my head. And the more you drive, the more chances you have of something going sideways. That’s just numbers. More exposure = more risk. Insurance is like my little sidekick in that situation.

3. Parents of Teen Drivers

God bless parents with teenagers behind the wheel. Insurance for teens isn’t cheap either (no joke, it nearly doubled my cousin’s policy). But, man, it’s worth it. Young drivers crash more, statistics say it all. I wouldn’t let my kid drive without coverage.

4. People Who Drive for Uber and Lyft

If you’re ridesharing for extra income, good on you. But don’t assume your regular insurance got your back—it might not. There’s this weird gap between when you’re waiting for a ride and when you actually got a passenger. Some insurers offer specific rideshare add-ons. Check those.

5. Folks Like Me Who Sometimes Borrow a Friend’s Car

One time I borrowed my roommate’s car and nearly hit a trash can (don’t judge). I wasn’t insured at the time. Now I carry non-owner car insurance. It’s cheap, covers me even if the car ain’t mine. Simple peace of mind.

6. Residents in No-Fault States

If you live in Florida or Michigan, listen up. They got what’s called no-fault laws. Basically, your own insurance pays your injuries, even if you didn’t cause the crash. It’s wild. So even if you’re like “I’m super careful,” it doesn’t matter—you still gotta have that Personal Injury Protection (PIP).

7. Classic Car Collectors and Sunday Drivers

You got a ‘67 Mustang? Or maybe one of those restored VW buses? You definitely need classic car insurance. Regular policies don’t cut it—they base value off depreciation, which is dumb if you spent 12k restoring something that’s now showroom-ready.

8. People With Cars That Just… Sit There

Okay, so maybe you don’t drive. Maybe your car’s basically a lawn ornament. Doesn’t matter. Thieves don’t care if it runs. Hailstorms don’t ask how often it’s been driven. You still might want comprehensive-only insurance. I kept it on my old Camry during college breaks—saved me when someone keyed the whole side.

Can You Skip Auto Insurance?

Technically? Yeah. But not really.

If you don’t own a car, never plan on driving, or live in a dense city where you can Uber, bike, or take the train forever—okay, maybe you don’t need a policy. That said, even then, non-owner insurance can be smart. It’s like having a helmet in case you ever hop on a bike again.

And if your car’s up on blocks or you’ve sworn off driving forever, canceling your insurance might make sense. Just call your DMV first. And your lender. And maybe your grandma. Everyone’s got an opinion.

In Closing (Because We Gotta Wrap This Up Somehow)

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need auto insurance?” the answer’s probably yes.

Unless you’re living off-grid in the woods and your only vehicle is a canoe, auto insurance is one of those modern must-haves. It’s not glamorous. It’s not exciting. It won’t get you likes on Instagram. But it could save you thousands when life throws a fender-bender your way.

I’ve learned the hard way before, and trust me—having insurance is always cheaper than not.