When a young driver first gets their driver's license, it can give them a new found sense of freedom and independence. But when it comes to insurance coverage, how independent should they be from their parents or guardians?

According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the most common type of car accident drivers face are rear-end collisions, accounting for roughly 36% of all car accidents in the state. The leading cause of rear-end collisions? Distracted drivers.

There is a lot to worry about when involved in a car accident. Potential vehicle damage, injuries, wondering how you’re going to get around until your vehicle is fixed - it’s a lot for anyone to digest. On top of all of that, you also have to worry about the accident affecting the price of your auto insurance. Unfortunately, drivers who are at fault for an accident or receive a ticket can expect a surcharge to be applied to their auto policy.

No matter how many times you check your blind spots or ensure you’re under the speed limit, there is always one factor no driver can entirely prepare for: other drivers. Even the safest of drivers can quickly find themselves in a whirlwind of confusion after being involved in a car accident, especially when you were not the driver that caused the accident.

With spring in full bloom and summer just around the corner, many of us are already planning our next vacations or getaways. If your upcoming adventure requires the use of a rental car, or you simply need a temporary vehicle, it’s important to know how you will be insured in the unfortunate event you are involved in an accident.

Totaling your car is, to put it bluntly, terrifying. Even the most seasoned of drivers are likely to be sent into full crisis mode after totaling a vehicle. Beyond any injuries you or your passengers may have, totaling a car can spawn a whole host of questions regarding what your options are and how you should proceed through the insurance claims process.