Christine Duffy, LUTCF, FSCP

In most states, yes. Even if auto insurance is not required, it's a good idea to be insured when you drive so if something does happen you have help paying for car repairs and medical bills.

This will depend if the home is your primary, seasonal, or rental property. The coverages most important on a home policy are: 1. Coverage A - Dwelling with extended replacement cost coverage to rebuild the home and 2. Coverage C - Personal Property with replacement cost to ensure your personal property is replaced at today's value versus a depreciated value. Depending on your needs, there are additional endorsement options to discuss with a Comparion agent.

There's no way of knowing precisely how much money your loved ones will require if you pass away. However, there are three simple methods for estimating that amount. Experts advise erring on the side of caution and purchasing a little more life insurance than you think you'll need.

Option 1:
Multiplying your gross (or before-tax) income by 10 to 15 is one of the simplest ways to get a rough sense of how much life insurance to buy. Another popular formula suggests adding $100,000 to that figure to cover the costs of each child's college education.

Option 2:
Calculate the immediate, ongoing, and future expenses that your family or loved ones would face if you died. This can include anything from funeral expenses to rent or mortgage payments to college tuition. Add up the financial assets that you and your family already have. This could include a spouse's income, savings, assets, and existing life insurance. Subtract your available funds from your projected expenses. The difference between the two figures is the approximate amount of life insurance that should be purchased.

Your agent can help you with these calculations, and advise which policy type best fits your needs.

The coverage amount you select for your belongings, liability and medical payments coverages, the deductible, location, type of residence and whether you bundle your renters insurance with additional insurance policies all impact the cost of renters insurance.

An umbrella or excess liability policy provides additional personal liability protection for yourself and household family members. In the event your liability limits are exhausted on your other policies (home, auto, etc), the umbrella may payout for claims where you are deemed to be negligent or liable. Your associated attorney fees are also covered.

Pet insurance covers you in the event that your pet is sick or injured. Like other insurance policies, you choose the amount you will pay (the deductible) and your insurance policy should cover the rest.