While you can add on extras, an auto insurance policy is basically three different coverages rolled into one:
(coverages can vary by state)
Part A — Liability
•Bodily Injury — Generally pays others for damage your vehicle causes, including personal injury requiring medical treatment, lost wages, funeral expenses, etc.
•Property Damage — Generally pays others for physical damage caused by your vehicle
Part B — Medical Payments/Personal Injury —
Generally pays you and your household members for expenses related to medical payments, lost wages, funeral expenses, etc.
Part C — Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists —
Generally pays for damage to your vehicle or passengers caused by un-insured or under-insured drivers.
Part D — Physical Damage to Your Auto
Comprehensive and Collision coverage generally pays you and others for the repairs to your vehicle, or replacements if un-repairable.
It can even pay for towing and rentals.
Your state most likely requires insurance, so you probably need an auto policy to legally drive your car.
But bear in mind your state's minimum coverage requirements may not really be enough coverage if you're in a bad accident.
Especially if the courts or police determine it's your fault.