Comparing Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: What’s Right for You? 

If you own your vehicle outright, you can decide if you want comprehensive (mostly for when you are not behind the wheel, like theft) or collision (to repair your vehicle no matter who is at fault after an accident) – or both. 

It’s not necessarily a question of comprehensive vs. collision coverage. You might need both types of auto insurance for optimal financial protection when you own a car. Or at least that’s likely to be the case most of the time for most motorists. 

In short, you will soon understand that when you talk to an agent, instead of asking, “Should I get comprehensive or collision coverage?” it would be more accurate to ask, “What type of car insurance do I need?” and let them explain the benefits of both as they pertain to your situation. 

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage: Understanding the Key Differences 

A full coverage auto insurance policy includes both elements. Comprehensive and collision are tools that work together, like a well-trained team, to extend maximum financial protection to the policyholder. But they do it in very different ways. 

The idea is that a lot can go wrong with a vehicle that will disrupt your plans and dent your bank account if you’re not covered properly. Some of those events might occur while you or another covered driver are behind the wheel. In other situations, you don’t even have to be in the same state as your car to experience financial loss related to it. 

That’s why you have both elements. Here’s how collision and comprehensive work together to increase your sense of security and protect your wallet, whether you’re driving or the car is just innocently sitting in your driveway. 

Deciphering Collision Car Insurance 

Understanding this option is a good starting point because it’s the easiest of the two to interpret. Collision coverage basically covers damages to your vehicle from collisions you cause. 

When you or a covered family member get into an accident, and you are the at-fault driver, your collision coverage will help pay for the damage to your vehicle, since your liability insurance is there to repair the other drivers’ vehicles, not yours.  

If you have collision coverage and live in a no-fault state, your insurer will cover your financial losses beyond your deductible, regardless of caused the accident. 

The point is, collision covers most car accidents, from fender benders to total destruction, when you or a covered loved one are behind the wheel and the vehicle is on the road. But that’s not the only way expensive damage or loss can happen to your car and upset your finances. 

Unpacking Comprehensive Insurance 

Your car can get lost, damaged, or totaled when it’s parked, too. For example, if a tornado knocks down your garage and crushes your car. It could be stolen, or vandals key it or slash your tires. Strong winds might bring down a dead and rotted tree limb on your vehicle. 

You get the idea. Comprehensive car insurance covers the countless ways your car — and wallet — can be damaged even with the engine off and your ride in ‘park.’ Loss when you least expect it. 

Your comprehensive coverage will also come into play if you hit wildlife and damage or disable your car. 

Do You Need Both? 

That’s your safest bet. In most cases, at least, you’ll only really feel financially secure if you have both forms of coverage: comprehensive and collision car insurance. 

Think about it. Whether you hit another vehicle or a caribou, your car and bank account are probably about equally bruised. If your ride is totaled — by fire, collision, windstorm, or any other reason — you’re without a vehicle or with a big hole in your bank account unless you have collision and comprehensive coverage. 

Comprehensive or Collision: Make the Right Choice 

If you buy a full coverage insurance policy, you won’t have to choose. Your policy will most likely include collision and comprehensive. 

But let’s say your funds are very tight, and you can’t get full coverage. It’s simply not in the budget. Then what? 

Comprehensive car insurance typically costs a little less than collision. That’s because your vehicle is less likely to be damaged if it’s stored away than while you’re driving on a busy freeway. (However, if you live and drive in a region heavily populated by deer, wildlife collisions might not be all that rare.) 

If you’re on a limited budget, you might be better off foregoing comprehensive rather than doing without collision car insurance. But you should only consider this if your car is old and no longer worth much money. 

To spend even less, you can consider liability-only coverage. This is the legal minimal level of coverage motorists can buy in most states. It won’t provide any protection for you or your vehicle, but it will pay the claims of others if you’re in an accident for which you’re at fault. 

Just keep in mind that you’re much better off with an auto insurance plan that includes both collision and comprehensive, among other possible coverage features, when it fits your budget. Without both, you’re not fully protected. You might get hit right in the pocketbook, where it hurts most. 

Need Help Making a Decision? Reach Out to Acceptance Insurance 

Comprehensive vs. collision coverage — or both? It can be a tough decision, but less so when you consult with an independent auto insurance agent at Acceptance. Our independent agents don’t just work for one insurance carrier. They represent the product lines of several brand-name car insurers. That means they can shop on your behalf for the best rates based on the factors that concern you and your family. 

Your Acceptance agent can also share other strategies for saving on your policy for maximum financial security at the most affordable price. 

Start the relationship with a phone call. Reach us at 877-405-7102 or get a quick online quote. You can also find an Acceptance Insurance office near you. Sit down soon with an agent and discuss your options.