自動車(じどうしゃ)保険(ほけん)

In Japan, car insurance is divided into two categories: 自賠責(じばいせき)保険(ほけん) (compulsory automobile liability insurance, required by law) and 任意(にんい)保険(ほけん) (optional/voluntary insurance, covering additional damages and liability beyond the mandatory minimum). Most drivers carry both.

Common collocations

• 自動車(じどうしゃ)保険(ほけん)に加入(かにゅう)する: to sign up for car insurance
• 自動車(じどうしゃ)保険(ほけん)を更新(こうしん)する: to renew car insurance
• 自動車(じどうしゃ)保険(ほけん)の保険料(ほけんりょう): car insurance premium
• 自動車(じどうしゃ)保険(ほけん)の等級(とうきゅう): insurance grade/rating class

Types

• 自賠責(じばいせき)保険(ほけん): compulsory liability insurance (legally required)
• 任意(にんい)保険(ほけん): voluntary insurance (recommended but not legally required)
• 車両(しゃりょう)保険(ほけん): vehicle damage insurance (covers your own car)
• 対人(たいじん)保険(ほけん): personal liability insurance
• 対物(たいぶつ)保険(ほけん): property damage insurance

Similar words

• 生命(せいめい)保険(ほけん): life insurance — covers death and illness
• 火災(かさい)保険(ほけん): fire insurance — covers property damage from fire
• 損害(そんがい)保険(ほけん): non-life insurance — broader category that includes car insurance