Can I get a collision without comprehensive?
Asked by: Imelda Schumm | Last update: November 6, 2025Score: 5/5 (62 votes)
Can I have collision coverage without comprehensive?
Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it. However, if your vehicle is paid in full, you have the option to drop the coverages.
What happens if you don't have comprehensive insurance?
Answer: Comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle for things that are "other than collision," such as the theft of your vehicle. Unfortunately, without comprehensive coverage, there is nothing your car insurance company can do for you.
Do I really need comprehensive?
Comprehensive covers you if your car is stolen, vandalized, goes on fire, hits an animal- anything except a collision with another car. So, unless you can pay for those damages out of pocket I would keep it on your car forever or until the value of your car is so low that you wouldn't want to fix or replace it.
Is it better to file a comprehensive or collision claim?
If you live in an area prone to such risks or have an expensive car, comprehensive coverage is a safer bet. If your car is older and its market value is low, skipping comprehensive or collision might save you money. On the other hand, for new or valuable cars, a mix of both could offer peace of mind.
Why I Skip Collision & Comprehensive Coverage
When should you drop comprehensive coverage on your car?
The ten rule is this: Once the value of your vehicle is less than ten times what its insurance premiums are, it's more economical to drop comprehensive and collision coverage than to pay for them.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.
Do I need comprehensive insurance if my car is paid off?
Lienholders generally require you to have comprehensive car insurance coverage and collision car insurance coverage while you're paying off a loan. After the loan is paid back, and the lienholder is removed, you're no longer required to carry these coverages.
How much collision deductible do I need?
Before you choose a deductible, most insurance professionals recommend you figure out what you can afford to pay if your car is damaged in an accident. If your budget allows for a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $500, you probably should not choose a deductible higher than $500.
Is hitting a mailbox comprehensive or collision?
Collision coverage also includes single car accidents like hitting a guardrail or hitting a curb. For example, if you hit a mailbox or fence post that leaves scratches down the side of your vehicle, collision coverage could cover the cost of repairs.
Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?
Comprehensive claims
Depending on your insurance company and your state, your rate may increase for damage-related incidents that were out of your control.
What happens if you don't have full coverage and your car gets totaled?
If you don't have insurance or don't have enough coverage, you're on the hook for the balance left on your vehicle even though the car is no longer drivable.
Do all states require comprehensive insurance?
Comprehensive and collision are also common types of car insurance coverage, though no state requires them. These optional coverages pay for damages to your car due to fire, theft, vandalism, animal strikes, acts of nature, glass breakage, and collisions. Learn more about each type of car insurance coverage.
Why would you not want to have collision coverage?
Collision insurance only pays up to the current market value of your car, minus your collision deductible. Since older cars typically have a low market value, collision coverage won't pay out much, if anything, in a total loss. Be sure to research your car's worth before deciding on whether to drop the coverage.
Can I add comprehensive coverage after an accident?
Can I add comprehensive coverage (glass) to my car insurance and then file a claim for windshield repair? Only if you want to risk being arrested for fraud. It is ILLEGAL to purchase insurance AFTER you have had the loss, and then try to foist it off on the insurance company.
What is a good deductible for comprehensive?
Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles. For example, you could have a $1000 collision and a $500 comprehensive policy deductible or vice versa.
Do I have to pay deductible if I was not at fault progressive?
If a driver hits you, your collision coverage will still cover the damage to your vehicle, but you won't have to pay your deductible. In some states, the driver must also be uninsured for a CDW to apply.
Does basic insurance cover collisions?
While different states mandate different types of insurance and there are several additional options (such as gap insurance) available, most basic auto policies consist of: bodily injury liability, personal injury protection, property damage liability, collision, comprehensive and uninsured/underinsured motorist.
Can I have a collision without comprehensive?
Some insurers require that you purchase collision and comprehensive insurance together, while other insurers may allow you to purchase these two types of coverage separately. Collision insurance pays for: Damage to your car in an accident you cause. Damage to your car if you hit an object such as a fence or pole.
How do I avoid paying my comprehensive deductible?
You can avoid paying your car insurance deductible for vehicle repairs by not filing a claim at all or by getting the mechanic to waive the deductible, which is possible but highly unlikely. In some cases, your insurer may also waive your comprehensive deductible for glass damage specifically.
When should you drop full coverage on a vehicle?
- You drive a high-mileage car. ...
- You struggle to fit the cost of auto insurance in your budget. ...
- Your car is worth less than the cost of your full-coverage policy. ...
- You have relatively high risk tolerance. ...
- You rarely drive.
What is the average collision deductible?
Between the range of deductibles available — which can sometimes be specifically set by an insurance company — $500 is fairly standard.
What if I can't pay my deductible car insurance?
If the car isn't drivable, you can ask the mechanic to allow you to make payments toward the deductible, but they can legally keep your vehicle until this debt is cleared. If the needed repairs are extensive, you can ask the repair shop to waive your deductible.
Is a credit score check required to get auto insurance?
Most insurers use credit checks to create a credit-based insurance score to help set your rate. Some insurers provide auto insurance with no credit check, which might seem appealing if you have a poor credit history.