These are the three main components of an auto policy:

• Liability pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Required in DC, MD, and VA.
• Collision pays to repair or replace your car after a crash, regardless of fault. Optional, but usually required if you have a car loan or lease.
• Comprehensive covers non-collision damage — theft, vandalism, fire, flood, hail, falling objects, hitting an animal. Also usually required by lenders.

Most policies also include personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist coverage, rental reimbursement, roadside assistance, and gap insurance depending on the vehicle and the driver’s situation.