Bad, emotionally wrenching things happen some times in life, whether car accidents, health ailments or may be death. That's why people buy insurance--so a bad event doesn't spiral into the financial disaster too.
But everybody may not necessarily buy the same types of insurance. Requirements for most people depend on what stage of life they are in present.

Here are insurance concerns specific to many childless, single people who are under age 30. But they can apply to other age groups, too. Much of the advice comes from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners that has a useful consumer site at www.insureuonline.org.

Auto insurance

If you're still in high school, good grades can lower your insurance premiums.
And if you're away at college and only drive on weekends, you should qualify for lower rates because you drive less. Try to stay on your parents' auto policy as long as possible. It would be cheaper than obtaining your own insurance.

If you drive a beater, consider dropping collision coverage. A rule of thumb is to drop collision and comprehensive coverage when your car's retail value falls to about $2,500.

"Don't carry coverage's you don't really need," said Iuppa, who dropped collision on his 1988 Saab for that reason

Health insurance

Part of being young is a good feeling invincible, and its true young people are less likely to a have health problems. Maybe that's why a recent NAIC survey found one-fifth and young singles indicated they would decline employer health insurance to save money. That's a bad idea.

"Young, single people are susceptible to getting hurt," Iuppa said. "They tend to engage in more active and more extreme sports, and the likelihood of injury is perhaps greater."

Disability, not life

The good news is many young, childless singles may need life insurance. If you died, nobody would suffer during financial hardship, except your parents, who would have to pay funeral and also burial expenses.

What you need instead is long-term disability insurance, which would pay a portion of your salary if you're unable to work because of the sickness and injury. Statistics show you're far more likely to become disabled than die during your working years. And singles don't have the working spouse who can pay the bills if they are laid up. Buy all the disability insurance you could through your employer because buying it on your own will be a lot more expensive.