Nobody likes paying for car insurance. It is, however, a necessary evil. Worse than paying for car insurance is needing insurance and not having it or not having enough, or the right type of coverage.

Like others, you may have paid months and months or even years and years of car insurance premiums and not ever "needed" the coverage. You needed it; you just haven't had to "use" it. With respect to car insurance, this is a good thing.

Imagine being in an accident, whether you're at fault or not, and your car is damaged beyond repair. Suppose you get ready to leave for work one morning and your car has been stolen. What if someone breaks into your car while you are at the mall and steals your CD player or DVD system and breaks your steering column? If you have car insurance and any of these events should occur, you would immediately hope that your car insurance premiums had been paid and that this claim doesn't result in an increase in your car insurance rates. But, if you don't have car insurance, you've got BIG problems.

Events of this type might be stressful and can cause an undue amount of inconvenience; but if you don't have car insurance, they would be disastrous.

Having the proper coverage means that when your car is damaged or totaled, it will be repaired or replaced. Having the proper coverage means that if your car is stolen, you will be provided a loaner car until your car is found and/or replaced. Having adequate coverage means that if someone breaks into your vehicle and steals or damages something, you will be compensated.

Having coverage with a reputable company is a key to keeping your peace of mind when disaster strikes. A good agent can also make your life easier in the event that any of the above calamities befalls you.

Insurance is a tricky business. You don't want to pay for coverage you don't need but, even worse, you don't want to be underinsured. Review your car insurance requirements carefully. How much coverage is needed? What options might be a good idea for your situation? Do you need windshield replacement? What about car rental reimbursement? How much of a deductible can you afford? The answers to all these questions can mean the difference between getting right back on the road versus being stranded in the event something happens to your car.

Remember, there are all types of people out there without car insurance or without adequate coverage. Don't be one of them.