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Step 1
Read the policy. Many times the insured has a piece of paper that they believe is the policy and it is not. It is either an overview of the policy or an old policy. Contact the insurance carrier and request a certified copy of the entire policy.
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Step 2
Understand the declarations portion of the policy. The declarations portion is titled "Declarations." Declarations declare who you are, what auto is insured, how long you will be insured, and your policy number. If you understand what you are looking for, you will know if the auto in question is insured and the person who is insured.
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Step 3
Understand the "Coverages" portion of the policy. This section details issues such as whether you are covered for liability, medical expenses, uninsured motorist, and collision.
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Step 4
Read the "Definitions" portion of your policy. This is where each of the above terms are defined. If you want to know what an uninsured motorist is, read the definitions. If you want to know what a collision is, read the definitions section.
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Step 5
Understand the "Exclusions" portion of the policy. The exclusions portion will set out what is not included in the policy.
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Step 6
Know what your agent can do for you. The policy rules in court over what an agent says. Use this as a general guideline.
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Step 7
Contact an insurance attorney and ask her to explain the policy. Attorneys are usually called in when there is a problem with the coverage, but to make sure you are covered ask advice up front.
