A survey of more than 1,000 people nationwide found that many Americans don’t understand how their auto insurance works. Here are some common misconceptions along with information about what you’re actually getting for that premium payment.

Myth 1: Color matters

Younger drivers were more likely than any other category to buy into this piece of misinformation, according to the survey. But nearly half — 44 percent — of people in general said they believed the color of their car affected the cost of their insurance.

That’s not something Michael Raisley, of Raisley Insurance in Butler, sees having an effect on policies. Raisley said factors like make, model and vehicle safety ratings can have an impact on policy premiums, but color isn’t something he’s ever been asked to evaluate.

“Through all the different companies I have quoted auto policies through, no one has asked me for the color of a vehicle,” Raisley said.

He said general rules he sees in the industry include large vehicles usually being easier to insure than compact cars, because of the damage they can sustain before being deemed a total loss. Models that are more sporty, or have big engines or turbo-charged options are usually a bit more expensive to insure.

Raisley said a feature that is often included on many current vehicle models, anti-theft alarm systems, can get customers a discount on their insurance as well.

Myth 2: You break it, you buy it

The second most popular myth among survey respondents centered on drivers’ liability — not to each other, but to their own insurance companies.

About 37 percent of people overall, and 52 percent of drivers between the ages of 19 and 28, said they believed their insurance wouldn’t cover them if they were at-fault for a collision.

In fact, said Erin Weber of Weber Insurance in Cranberry Township, that’s exactly why drivers carry auto insurance in the first place.

“You’re covered according to the terms on your policy,” Weber said. “So if you have a collision and it’s a covered accident,” you’re covered.

Most states require drivers to insure to a minimum level — known to many as “liability only” coverage.

That kind of coverage insures a driver for damages to another person’s vehicle or injuries.

A higher level of coverage, called “collision coverage” will pay for damage to your own vehicle even if you caused the accident yourself.

There are generally two types of liability coverage; property damage liability, which covers costs associated with damage to another person’s property; and bodily injury liability, which covers costs associated with any injuries they suffered in the crash.

Myth 3: Auto insurance covers thefts from your vehicle

This is a myth that older drivers — those 65 and above — were more likely to believe, telling callers that they thought insurers would reimburse them if items like cell phones, laptops, purses or sunglasses were taken from inside their vehicle.

Unfortunately, that’s often not the case — but it can sometimes be, Weber said.

The good news, however, is that in many cases those thefts will be covered by other types of insurance, such as homeowner’s, so long as the item’s value is more than your plan’s deductible.

It’s always a good idea to cover your bases in these situations, said Weber. If you have something stolen from your vehicle, be sure to check with your insurance company rather than simply assuming you’re not covered.

“Every policy is different, you should always consult with your (insurance) agent,” she said.

Myth 4: Value is calculated after a crash, not before

About 28 percent of drivers mistakenly believe that insurers only pay the value of the beaten-up hulk that remains after a crash has happened — a serious misconception of the way auto insurance works.

Raisley said that insurers use specific calculations to determine what a vehicle is worth. Those include book value, condition, mileage and other factors.

For drivers who want to keep an eye on their vehicle’s value themselves, Raisley said one option is a policy called “new car replacement,” but the feature is usually only available to drivers with newer vehicles.

In any case, Raisley said, his agency usually recommends that people keep their comprehensive coverage on a vehicle in case of an accident.

“It’s really a judgment call on saving (about) $300 a year or keeping coverage for things you really can’t control, like fire, theft, glass breakage, vandalism, hail and collision with an animal,” Raisley said.

Myth 5: Your insurance will cover a tune up

Out of the five auto insurance myths, the fewest people — 14 percent overall — believe this one.

Auto insurance will not pay for breakdowns and other routine mechanical problems that drivers experience with their vehicles.

“I’ve never actually heard of that on any policies,” Raisley said. “Just like if your car breaks down, we aren’t going to provide you with a rental car ... we will only provide it if it is stemming from a covered cause of loss on your policy.”

In these cases, or where a driver believes his vehicle’s breakdown may be covered by a warranty, drivers need to contact their dealer or someone who sells after-market warranties.