Do you have to have both comprehensive and collision insurance?
Asked by: Mr. Amos Pfeffer PhD | Last update: April 4, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (19 votes)
Do I need both collision and comprehensive?
Comprehensive and collision coverage are both equally important for protecting your vehicle from physical damage. You should ultimately choose the coverage that's right for your budget and needs.
When should you drop collision and comprehensive coverage?
Your vehicle holds a low value: As with collision, consider dropping comprehensive coverage if your vehicle's market value is lower than a few thousand dollars. Figure in your deductible as well and the potential insurance payout may not be worth the price of the coverage.
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 have a $500 deductible or $1000?
Generally speaking, yes, a higher deductible is the better choice long term. Especially if you have a good driving history.
Should you drop collision coverage on car insurance?
What should my comprehensive and collision deductibles be?
Comprehensive coverage: Deductibles for comprehensive coverage, which covers damage to the vehicle from a non-driving peril, like extreme weather, theft and vandalism, are typically set at $500 or $1,000. Collision coverage: Drivers can typically choose to pay $500 or $1,000 as their collision deductible.
Is it better to pay higher deductible or lower deductible?
A lower deductible plan is a great choice if you have unique medical concerns or chronic conditions that need frequent treatment. While this plan has a higher monthly premium, if you go to the doctor often or you're at risk of a possible medical emergency, you have a more affordable deductible.
Do you need collision insurance if your 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.
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.
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.
At what point is collision insurance not worth it?
If your car is not worth a lot, you might want to drop the collision insurance. Always consider the cost of parts and repair before making a final decision. If you are a safe driver and are not likely to cause an accident, you might be better off to claim on the other driver's insurance if they were at fault.
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.
Do you need uninsured motorist coverage if you have comprehensive?
California law does not require you to carry uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage—so, legally, you don't need either one. However, UM/UIM is an important and commonsense coverage to carry.
Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?
This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision?
Comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy typically covers deer accidents. Comprehensive coverage may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged when you hit a deer.
What is the cost difference between comprehensive and collision?
Comprehensive Vs.
In this example, the deductible options vary from $250 to $1,500 for comprehensive coverage and from $500 to $2,000 for collision coverage. Keep in mind that choosing a lower deductible typically means higher premium payments, while opting for a higher deductible can result in lower premiums.
Is a cracked windshield comprehensive or collision?
In most cases, you need to carry comprehensive coverage for your car insurance policy to cover a cracked or broken windshield and other types of glass damage, but collision coverage often applies in an accident with another vehicle.
Do I need collision and comprehensive?
Collision and comprehensive coverage are generally optional in California. An exception is a vehicle that is financed. Lenders will usually require that you carry collision coverage during the term of the loan or lease. Otherwise, the decision whether to purchase collision and/or comprehensive coverage is personal.
Is hitting a pothole comprehensive?
Comprehensive coverage doesn't cover pothole damage to your car. For this, you'll need collision coverage. If your vehicle is paid off and not a lease, collision coverage is optional, but it may be worth considering if you often find yourself dodging potholes.
Is it worth having full coverage on a paid-off car?
Risk Tolerance: Full coverage can provide peace of mind by protecting your car from various risks, including accidents, theft, and weather damage. If you prefer the extra security, keeping full coverage might be worth it, even after the car is paid off.
Is comprehensive insurance required by law?
Is comprehensive insurance required? Comprehensive coverage is not required by law in any state, but it's usually required by lenders if you are leasing or financing your vehicle. If you own your vehicle outright, you can decide whether comprehensive coverage is worthwhile.
Should I pay for car accident out of pocket or let insurance pay?
If the damage to your car is significant or more than the cost of your deductible, it may make sense to file an auto insurance claim with your insurer. If the damage is minimal and the repairs will cost less than your car insurance deductible, then it may not make sense to file a claim.
Are no deductible plans good?
A no-deductible plan can be a good choice for your family if you want immediate coverage without needing to meet a deductible first, especially if multiple family members need regular care. However, these plans often have higher premiums, so consider your budget.
How do most people obtain their insurance?
Most people in California get group health insurance through a job. This is also called employee coverage. Employers with 100 employees buy large-group policies, and those with fewer than 100 buy small-group policies. In most cases, group insurance is better than individual insurance.
How much should my out-of-pocket maximum be?
Out-of-pocket maximum limits
The government has set limits that control how much healthcare insurers can charge for covered services per year. These are: For the 2022 plan year: The out-of-pocket limit for a Marketplace plan can't be more than $8,700 for an individual and $17,400 for a family.