Both collision and comprehensive coverage are essential parts of a full coverage car insurance policy. Each covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault, but they apply in separate scenarios.
Below, we’ll break down the differences between collision and comprehensive coverage, as well as when they apply, why they’re beneficial, and how deductibles work.
What collision car insurance covers
Collision car insurance covers damage to your vehicle caused by colliding with another vehicle or with an object like a telephone pole, fence, guardrail, or pothole, regardless of fault.
Collision coverage applies to your vehicle only; it does not cover the other driver’s vehicle, nor anyone’s medical costs.
More specifically, collision covers damage to your vehicle if:
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You’re the victim of a hit-and-run.
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You’re in an accident with another vehicle.
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You hit a road sign, tree, or another stationary object.
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Your vehicle is damaged by poor road conditions like potholes.
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Your vehicle flips over — for instance, if your vehicle slides on a patch of ice.
What isn’t covered by collision insurance
While collision insurance pays for the cost of repairs to your own vehicle (minus the deductible), it does not cover:
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Damage to other vehicles
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Damage to property
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Damage to your vehicle if there was no collision (as described above and outlined in your policy)
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Medical costs for you, your passengers, or others
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Damage to property inside your vehicle that is not specifically designed for the vehicle (your homeowners insurance or renters insurance may cover this)
Notably, collision doesn’t apply to general wear and tear. For that, you’ll need a valid warranty, or else you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
How much is collision coverage?
According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), the average annual cost of collision coverage is $290.
What comprehensive insurance covers
Comprehensive car insurance covers damage to your vehicle not caused by a collision with another vehicle or object. Think of it as a catch-all for non-collision damage. One caveat: Comprehensive does cover damage to your vehicle from a collision with an animal.
More broadly, comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle caused by:
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Collisions with animals, such as deer
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Falling objects, such as trees or rocks
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Fire
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Vandalism or riots
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Natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes
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Debris kicked up by other vehicles on the road
Further, comprehensive covers theft of your vehicle or parts of your vehicle (like rims, tires, and catalytic converters).
What isn’t covered by comprehensive car insurance
Much like collision, comprehensive insurance pays to repair or replace your own vehicle (minus your deductible), but there are major exceptions. Comprehensive won’t cover:
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Damage to other vehicles
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Damage to property
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Damage to your vehicle if there was a collision
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Medical costs for you, your passengers, or others
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Damage to property inside your vehicle that is not specifically designed for the vehicle (your homeowners insurance or renters insurance may cover this)
Again, like collision, comprehensive doesn’t cover general wear and tear.
How much is comprehensive coverage?
Triple-I reports the average cost of comprehensive coverage is $134 per year.
Who needs collision and comprehensive coverage?
Most drivers can benefit from collision and comprehensive coverage, and insurance experts recommend carrying it if you can afford it. A full coverage auto insurance plan is one of the best ways to protect your finances should your car be damaged.
Nearly every state requires some level of liability coverage to protect other drivers on the road, but collision and comprehensive are not a part of state-required minimum coverage. Because collision and comprehensive coverage protect your own vehicle, it’s within your right to exclude them from your policy — with one major exception.
If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, you’ll likely be required to carry full coverage auto insurance, including collision and comprehensive, for the duration of your car loan or lease. In the case of financing, you may drop full coverage once you’ve paid off the vehicle.
Understanding collision and comprehensive insurance deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you have to pay out of your own pocket before your insurance company starts paying for the rest of a covered claim.Â
When your vehicle is damaged, you’ll have to pay a deductible before your collision or comprehensive insurance applies. Deductibles vary by insurer and policy but range from $200 to $1,000 or more.
Consider a few things when choosing your deductible:
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Premium: Choosing a higher deductible reduces your insurance premium (the cost of your policy). This might sound ideal — and it can be if you don’t have to make a claim while the policy is active. However, it can be risky depending on your financial situation.Â
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Funds availability: On the flip side, choosing a higher deductible means you’ll need access to more cash if your vehicle is damaged. Determine how much you’re willing to spend from your emergency fund or charge on a credit card in case of a crash. If you’d struggle to afford a $1,000 deductible, choose a lower option.
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Vehicle value: Consider how much your vehicle is worth when choosing a deductible. For instance, if your old car is only worth $1,200, choosing a $1,000 deductible might not be worth it; at that point, it might make sense to purchase a new vehicle instead.
When can you drop collision and comprehensive coverage?
If you’re carrying collision and comprehensive insurance because you’re financing a vehicle, you may drop these optional coverages once you’ve paid off the vehicle and obtained the title. However, that might not be a good idea if your vehicle is still worth a lot of money (i.e., more than the annual cost of your policy plus the deductible).
As your vehicle depreciates over the years, however, there could come a point when the annual cost of keeping the coverages, plus the deductible, is greater than the actual value of the vehicle. In that case, it might make more financial sense to drop collision and comprehensive. Just note that without these coverages, in accidents when you’re at fault, you will either pay for repairs out of pocket or will need to purchase a new vehicle if you decide it’s not worth the cost to repair your current vehicle.
It’s worth noting that collision and comprehensive are not all or nothing. If you prefer, you may keep one coverage while dropping the other (if the insurer you choose allows it). Speaking with an agent about your situation is the best way to determine the coverage you need and the options available to you.
