[Updated 8/26/20]

As the school year is coming to an end for many teachers and learning is taking place online, keeping students engaged is key. One topic that always proves to be interesting to students is buying and insuring a car. The activity PLAY: Types of Car Insurance requires students to identify the different types of auto insurance coverage and determine the appropriate type of insurance to cover damages in multiple scenarios. 

At a time where many schools have transitioned to offering synchronous and asynchronous learning, we've listed some adaptations and extension ideas that may work for your current classroom environment. 

Synchronous Environment Ideas: 

• Start the lesson by showing the video "Understanding 5 Types of Car Insurance Coverage". The link is provided on slide 3 of the activity above! 
  • An alternative to the video would be to have students investigate on their own the different types of auto insurance coverage, what specifically it covers, and if it is required or optional in your state. Here is a possible template for you to use. 
• Work through the activity together as a class or utilize the breakout room feature of your conference platform to have students complete the scenarios in small groups.

Asynchronous Environment Ideas:

Note: It is recommended to have students watch the video "Understanding 5 Types of Car Insurance Coverage" before completing this activity or use the alternative activity listed above.

• Assign and complete the activity as it is written.
• Convert the activity to a Google Form. The multiple-choice questions will automatically grade, but the short response scenario questions will need to be reviewed by the teacher. 
  • NGPF Fellow Amanda Volz created Google Form Tutorial videos if you are interested in learning more ways to use Google Forms in the classroom. 

Extension Ideas:

• Have students create their own scenarios.
  • Add an additional question to the assignment where students create their own scenario in which auto insurance would be needed and used. In a synchronous environment, students could share their scenario and discuss which type(s) of coverage would be needed. Students always enjoy sharing their own stories or "what if" situations!
• Invite an insurance agent to join your virtual classroom.
  • Guest speakers are a wonderful addition to any classroom. Invite a local insurance agent to join your virtual classroom. He/she can discuss the types of coverage that are required in your state and allow students an opportunity to ask questions!
• Complete the activity COMPARE: Car Insurance Comparison Shopping. 
  • This activity has students evaluate the pros and cons of different levels of car insurance and choose the best policy from multiple, competing policies. 

View NGPF's Virtual Adaptation Series if you're looking for additional resources with suggestions on how to facilitate in a virtual environment. 

About the Author

Amanda Volz

Amanda joins the NGPF Team with over 20 years of experience teaching personal finance. During that time, she led her students to hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, won multiple awards, and most importantly, impacted the financial lives of thousands of high school students. Amanda prides herself on being an educational leader and is constantly looking for innovative ways to make the classroom relevant, rigorous, and fun. She is a passionate advocate for financial education and has been a long-time member of the NGPF community. Fun fact - Amanda was NGPF’s first teacher account! When Amanda isn’t working, she enjoys cooking, gardening, and traveling with her husband and two children.