Minimum coverage is the state-mandated amount of car insurance that every driver must carry.

Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones says that coverage will not cover you if you hit someone or something. Drivers need to know the difference between collision and liability coverage.

Physical injuries and property damage are two major issues. You may not have both types of coverage on your policy.

The state-mandated minimum coverage is $15,000 up to $30,000 liability for physical injuries and $5,000 in property damage. It doesn't cover the policyholder.

"The 15-30-5 is only covering me as a policyholder for any damage I might cause you," insurance agent Donna Fleming said.

Fleming encourages people not to take minimum coverage. It does not include collision coverage on your own vehicle when you are at fault.

What if you hit something like a pole, and it's your fault? Who pays for the damage? The insurance company does -- after any deductible on your policy.

Deductibles normally range from $250 to $500, which means you are responsible for paying that amount. Anything above it is paid by the insurance carrier.

If you can afford to take the $500 deductible, do it. You will save between $50 and $100 a year.

What if your vehicle is damaged from something other than a collision? That's called comprehensive coverage. You must obtain it separately.

"In other words, that would be vandalism, malicious mischief, wind damage, theft, or if you hit an animal on the road," Fleming says.

The largest number of those claims in western Pennsylvania involves hitting deer.

If you own a vehicle that does not have a lot of value, some insurance experts recommend dropping collision and comprehensive coverage. Talk to your insurance agent before making that move.