What Are the Types of Car Insurance? Complete Guide to Choosing the Ideal One

When I Almost Lost Everything, I Learned That Insurance Isn’t an Expense — It’s Protection

You know that saying, “you only value it once it’s gone”? That was me. I learned the hard way when my car was stolen on a regular morning in a supermarket parking lot. The feeling of helplessness was overwhelming. Thankfully, I had purchased comprehensive car insurance — the most complete type — and that changed everything.

At the time, I didn’t know a thing about insurance. I got it because the broker insisted. But today, after going through that experience and studying the market more deeply, I decided to share everything I’ve learned. After all, choosing the right type of car insurance can make all the difference — especially for someone like me who sees their car as an extension of their freedom and family’s safety.

If you’ve ever wondered what comprehensive insurance is, or what third-party insurance or popular auto insurance covers, this guide is for you.

Why Is It So Important to Choose the Right Type of Insurance?

When you buy a car, the first thing you think is: “What if it gets hit? What if it gets stolen?” And here’s the truth: Brazil ranks 4th in the world for car thefts, according to data from the National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg). In 2024 alone, there were over 530,000 reported cases.

That’s why understanding the types of insurance available isn’t just a financial decision — it’s about protecting your peace of mind, your routine, and often your only source of income.

Types of Car Insurance: Which Is Best for You?

1. Comprehensive Insurance – Full Protection

This is what saved me. Comprehensive insurance is the most complete coverage available. It includes:

• Theft and robbery
• Collision (even if you’re at fault)
• Fire
• Natural disasters (floods, hail, falling trees)
• Third-party damages
• 24-hour assistance

✨ Best for: People with financed or high-value cars, who drive in large cities or depend on their car for work.

📊 Real data: According to SUSEP, this is the most purchased insurance type in Brazil, representing about 65% of active policies in 2023.

📝 Tip: Even if the insurance cost seems high, the cost of a claim (like my theft case) is much higher. Plus, you can customize the coverage to save money.

2. Third-Party Insurance (RCF-V) – Protects Others (and Your Wallet)

If you want to save money and are willing to take the risk on your own car but want protection against lawsuits for damage to others, then third-party liability vehicle insurance (RCF-V) is for you.

It covers:

• Property damage to third parties
• Bodily injury
• Moral damages (in some policies)

✨ Best for: Older cars, small town residents, or those who drive infrequently.

📊 Real comparison: While a comprehensive policy for a mid-sized car costs around R$2,500/year, an RCF-V can range from R$500 to R$900, according to Porto’s survey.

📌 But beware: It doesn’t cover your own car. If you’re at fault in an accident, the damage to your vehicle is on you.

3. Popular Auto Insurance – The Budget-Friendly Version

Created in 2016 by SUSEP to make insurance more accessible for Brazilians. Popular Auto Insurance allows reconditioned or generic parts in the event of a claim, reducing costs.

Basic coverage includes:

• Theft and robbery
• Fire
• Partial or total damage
• May or may not include third-party coverage

✨ Best for: Cars over 5 years old or popular models like Gol, Palio, Uno, Celta, etc.

📊 Data from Allianz and Liberty: Popular insurance can be up to 30% cheaper than comprehensive insurance.

📋 Real case study: Marcos, 42, from Campinas-SP, shared that traditional insurance for his 2012 Palio would cost R$1,980/year. Popular insurance? R$1,390 with the same essential coverage.

4. Usage-Based Insurance (Pay-Per-Use) – A Growing Trend

A newer option in the market. You pay a base fee and an additional charge per kilometer driven. Great for those who work from home or use their car infrequently.

Insurance companies: Youse, Azul, Thinkseg

✨ Best for: Drivers who travel less than 500 km per month.

💡 Tip: Check if the company charges per day as well as per kilometer.

📊 Estimate: Traditional insurance = R$2,200/year. Pay-per-use = from R$60/month + R$0.20 per km.

5. DPVAT (Mandatory Insurance) – But Suspended!

The famous mandatory insurance, which covered victims of traffic accidents, was suspended in 2021. It has not been reinstated.

It covered:

• Medical expenses
• Permanent disability
• Death

📌 Note: The federal government is evaluating new collection models. Keep an eye on SUSEP updates.

How to Choose the Best Insurance for Your Profile?

This is the million-dollar question. To help, here’s a summary table:

Insurance Type	Covers Your Car?	Covers Others?	Best For	Avg. Price*
Comprehensive	✅	✅	New/financed cars	R$2,000–3,500
Third-Party Only	❌	✅	Older cars, occasional use	R$500–900
Popular Auto	✅	✅	Older, budget models	R$1,300–1,900
Pay-Per-Use	✅	✅	Low-mileage drivers	Variable
DPVAT (Suspended)	❌	❌	Personal accident coverage	Suspended

*Approximate values based on data from Porto, Azul, Mapfre, and CNseg.

My Golden Tip (Learned the Hard Way)

If I could go back in time, I would’ve done the research first. I was on autopilot and only realized the importance of the right insurance when the unexpected happened. So here’s my advice: don’t pick the cheapest — pick the smartest for your reality.

Talk to a trusted broker, compare companies, use simulators, and above all, understand what each policy covers. Don’t sign anything you haven’t read!

The Right Insurance Protects More Than Just Your Car — It Protects Your Peace

We never think we’ll need it. But all it takes is a robbery, crash, or flood to change everything. And when that happens, having made the right choice avoids loss, stress, and headaches.

If this article helped you, share it with a friend who’s thinking about getting insurance. And let me know in the comments: which type of insurance do you use today? Have you had an experience like mine?

Let’s talk — because learning from someone else’s experience is way better than learning from your own loss. 😉