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Aye, it's the same in Europe as the US regarding car insurance. GDB is pretty much on the ball. The insurance is usually private. They don't have a monopoly though, as not necessarily everyone drives.
Personally, I don't think Europe is more collective or individualist then the USA. I actually think that government aid enables individualism as you no longer need to rely on the people around you. Without a state there you really need to cultivate community ties, and you have to think in such a way as putting your community first.
Whereas with social welfare programs you can pretty much exist on your own. So long as you're reasonably cautious nothing can seriously endanger you. Without government you'd have to rely on others.
So, somewhat ironically, welfare engenders selfishness and individualism, and lack of it forces people together. So a lack of government welfare would probably make America more collectivist, not less. The world is a risky and dangerous place when you're on your own.
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