eSIMPublished: Jan 11, 2026, 2:15 PMUpdated: Jan 11, 2026, 2:16 PM

Auto insurance checklist: coverage and deductible with a focus on safety

3 essential items for those just starting out

Cover illustration: Auto insurance checklist: coverage and deductible with a focus on safety (eSIM)
By Bruno Almeida
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Auto insurance isn’t just about price. For beginners, the difference between being protected or not usually lies in the details of coverage and the deductible.

This checklist focuses on three points that directly impact safety — yours, your passengers’, and your vehicle’s — without getting into complicated terms.

1) Collision, fire, and theft coverage: the basics that prevent bigger risks

This is the foundation of comprehensive insurance. Without it, any more serious incident becomes too big a problem to handle on the fly.

Check whether the policy covers:

- Collision, even when you are responsible for the accident - Fire, including electrical failure - Robbery and theft, with clear compensation

For those just starting to drive, this set reduces risky decisions after an accident, such as continuing to drive with a damaged car.

2) Third-party liability coverage: safety beyond your own car

Hitting another vehicle or causing damage to someone is more common than it seems, especially in the first years of driving.

Check two points:

- Maximum amount for property damage - Maximum amount for bodily injury

Very low coverage limits can force improvised agreements at the accident scene, increasing stress and the risk of poor decisions.

Pay attention to per-event limits

Some policies split amounts between property and bodily damage. Understanding this detail helps avoid surprises in real situations.

3) Deductible: choose with your ability to act calmly in mind

The deductible is the amount you pay to activate the insurance in case of partial collision. It directly influences your behavior after an accident.

In practice:

- A very high deductible may make you avoid repairs - A very low deductible increases the monthly premium

The safety point lies in balance: an amount that allows you to file a claim without hesitation, even for moderate damage.

How connectivity helps in emergency situations

More and more insurers use apps and digital support for claims, towing, and on-site guidance. With a connected phone — including via eSIM — it becomes easier to:

- Request assistance without relying on Wi‑Fi - Send the exact accident location - Receive real-time instructions

This reduces time stopped on the road and helps keep everyone safe.

Quick checklist before closing the policy

- Full coverage against collision, fire, and theft - Third-party liability coverage with realistic limits - A deductible compatible with your budget and usage profile - Simple service and claim activation via mobile

With these three items well defined, insurance stops being just a contract and becomes a real day-to-day safety tool.

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