Comprehensive insurance and collision insurance are main coverages offered in the standard auto insurance policy. These insurance plans will cover your vehicle, regardless of fault. However, comprehensive and collision have key differences in what they cover and exclude.
Comprehensive Insurance: Protecting Against the Unexpected
Coverage for non-collision events
Comprehensive insurance covers vehicle repairs or replacements that don't result from colliding with another vehicle or object. In contrast, it covers perils or risks such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters (e.g., hail, floods), falling objects, and animal collisions.
Optional coverage
Unlike liability car insurance, states don't require drivers to carry comprehensive insurance. But, if you leased or financed your vehicles, lenders usually require you to obtain comprehensive coverage with a minimum deductible.
How it works
After a non-collision event, you can file a claim with your insurer to cover any damages to your vehicle. Insurance will cover the rest up to your policy limit, equal to the actual cash value of your vehicle (the market value of your car minus depreciation).
Before your insurer settles your claim, you must pay a deductible. For example, say your vehicle costs $2,000 to repair, and you have a deductible of $500. In that case, you'll receive a claim amount of $1,500. Before choosing a comprehensive and collision deductible, be sure you can afford it if you need to file a claim.
Collision Insurance: For When Accidents Happen
Covers damage from collisions
Collision insurance covers damages from collisions with other vehicles or objects (like a fence or mailbox). It also pays for repairs and replacements if your car rolls over, whether due to collisions or other circumstances.
Optional coverage
Like comprehensive insurance, collision insurance isn't required by state law. But, if you're still making payments on your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to purchase coverage with minimum deductibles. Even if you own your vehicle, it's still a good idea to carry comprehensive and collision insurance to stay fully protected on the road.
How it works
Filing a claim for collision insurance is the same as comprehensive insurance. You'll pay a deductible, and insurance covers the rest of the cost up to the car's actual cash value.
Key Differences: Comprehensive vs. Collision
Comprehensive and collision protect your vehicle, but the two have key differences.
| Feature | Comprehensive Insurance | Collision Insurance |
| Coverages | Non-collision events (theft, vandalism, fire, weather, etc.) | Collisions with vehicles, objects, or rollovers |
| Usage | When your car is damaged by something other than a collision | When your car is damaged in an accident, regardless of fault |
| Deductible | Typically lower than collision deductible | Typically higher than comprehensive deductible |
| Cost | Generally less expensive than collision | Generally more expensive than comprehensive |
Choosing Between Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Consider your car
Most drivers could benefit from comprehensive and collision insurance, but it may not be necessary for everyone. If you drive a 10-year-old clunker, replacing your car might be more economical than paying premiums for comprehensive and collision insurance. Both coverages are usually worthwhile if you have a new or expensive vehicle.
Think about your finances
If you don't have adequate coverage, you could be on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs or replacement. Unless you have enough savings to cover significant repairs or purchase a new car, it's smart to carry comprehensive and collision insurance.
Assess risks in your area
Research risk factors in your area. Comprehensive coverage is a good way to protect your car from severe weather, increased crime, and increased accident rates.
Additionally, you'll also want to consider the risk you pose to yourself. If you're not the greatest or most confident driver, it's best to be honest with yourself and look into collision insurance.
Find the right car insurance provider
It's important to note that collision and comprehensive insurance aren't mutually exclusive. You'll find insurance providers that sell these policies separately or together. However, if you decide you want collision and comprehensive coverage, it's far easier to just buy full coverage car insurance because it'll give you both protections in addition to liability coverage, which you'll have to obtain anyways as it's required by state law.
Comprehensive vs. Collision Car Insurance FAQ
Is comprehensive or collision better?
Whether comprehensive or collision coverage is better depends on your needs and risk tolerance. Comprehensive coverage might be more important if you're worried about theft or natural disasters, while collision coverage is crucial for vehicle repairs or replacements after an accident.
Do I need both comprehensive and collision insurance?
If you have a car loan or lease, you need both comprehensive and collision insurance. If you own your car outright, the importance of both coverages depends on its value and the risk factors in your area.
Will my rates go up if I file a claim under comprehensive or collision?
Your rates could go up if you file a claim under comprehensive or collision coverage, especially if you filed multiple claims in the past. Talk to your insurer about how claims might affect your rates.
