​It’s easy to think that buying auto insurance is one of those things that we’ll eventually get the hang of. But the truth is, it can be confusing to even seasoned drivers. Whether you're a brand-new driver, or just want to make sure that you're getting the best insurance you can buy, here are three of the most common mistakes that you'll want to avoid next time you buy a new policy:

​When you get into an accident that seems relatively minor, you may end up surprised when your insurance company declares your vehicle totaled. Also known as declaring a total loss, this decision relies on different information than you might expect. Understanding the total loss formula will give you some insight into what might happen the next time an accident damages your vehicle.

​Owning a vehicle is a big responsibility. Even if you never take it out onto the road, it tends to be a good decision to maintain proper auto insurance on it. This can help protect your investment. However, the laws on this differ from one state to the next. A vehicle not on the road may not legally have to have coverage. But, what should you do?

Whether car insurance covers the car or the driver is a common question when it comes to figuring out what you can file a claim for. If you borrow your friend's car, are you covered under your policy or theirs? If you're renting a car, do you need to buy additional coverage? The truth is that the answer to this question is not so cut and dry.

​After a car accident, one of the first things you should do is call your auto insurance provider. Your agent is your go-to solution. They will work with you, the police, and the appraiser to ensure repairs happen quickly. Consider for yourself some of the benefits of their service.

It is important for you to follow the guidance your agent provides. There may be specific shops to visit for repairs trusted by the insurer. The process does not have to take long. However, it has to be complete.

As you shop, a driver sideswipes your vehicle in the parking lot. They leave. What are your options? Private property damage is not uncommon. It can occur at your home, in a parking lot, or just about any other location. The police may be able to help. Your auto insurance agent can help you, too, depending on the type of insurance you have.​

​If you cause an accident, meaning it’s your fault, you can probably understand that your car insurance rates should go up. But what if the other driver was 100% at-fault? Even then, it's still possible to see a rate increase. The reason is that it might have been possible for you to avoid the accident.

​One of the things that can influence the availability and cost of auto insurance is your history of maintaining a policy. If you have car insurance on a consistent basis, chances are good you are a responsible driver. If your past isn’t so smooth, though, you could face difficulty getting a new plan. Why does this matter? Here’s how it could be influencing your costs.

​Rust can be very damaging to vehicles. It is not uncommon, even today with new technology built into vehicles. If you have a vehicle with rust damage, it’s best to have it repaired. Not doing so could mean the value of the car might drop. You might also face safety risks behind the wheel. Will your auto insurance help cover the costs? The most common answer is no. Here’s why.

​Most people buy a car based on the way it can work for their needs. You want a car that’s reliable, safe, and fully featured. Yet, you also have to factor in the cost of auto insurance. If you do not, you may get a surprise later to learn the policy is just too expensive for you. To avoid this type of situation, consider what features can help you save on auto insurance. Do this while buying your next car. Here is where to start.