Is comprehensive or collision more important?
Asked by: Euna Turcotte | Last update: September 6, 2025Score: 4.2/5 (6 votes)
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.
At what point should I drop comprehensive insurance?
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.
At what point does collision insurance stop being beneficial for a consumer?
Expert-Verified Answer
Collision insurance stops being beneficial when the cost of the premium exceeds the value of the car. This means if you pay more for insurance than you could receive from it after an accident, it's no longer worth it.
Comprehensive Vs. Collision Coverage Tips
Do I really need collision coverage?
If you wouldn't be able to afford the costs to repair your car, or even more so, buy a new one to replace it, having collision insurance is that added layer of protection that can prevent you from financially being responsible for expensive damages — and that's really important.
Should I have comprehensive and collision on an old car?
Optionally, both collision and comprehensive coverage can offer benefits, even for older cars. It is best to shop around with multiple car insurance providers and find out what kind of coverage they offer for older vehicles and how much it might cost.
Which is better, comprehensive or collision?
If your car is damaged in a road collision with another car or object and you're at fault, only your collision coverage can help pay to repair it. Only comprehensive coverage covers losses caused by contact with animals, civil disturbances, fires, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism.
Should I have full coverage on a 10 year old car?
It's usually worth dropping full coverage on an older car if its value is less than a few thousand dollars, as long as there's no loan on it. The more your car depreciates, the less you'll get from the insurance company after an accident or theft.
Should I keep full coverage on my 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.
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.
Which insurance is best for a 10 year old car?
You can get covered in such scenarios by purchasing comprehensive car insurance for your old car. This cover will compensate for repairs or replacements arising from unforeseen incidents like accidents, collisions, fire, calamities, etc.
What is the best coverage for a paid-off car?
Balancing Protection and Cost for Your Paid-Off Vehicle
Start by dropping collision coverage while maintaining comprehensive. This strategy protects against theft, weather damage, and provides valuable glass coverage while reducing your premium.
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.
How can a good credit score lower your insurance premiums?
Insurance companies check your credit because they believe drivers with poor credit tend to file more claims. Because these drivers will likely use their insurance more, they're more expensive for insurance companies to cover.
Do you have to pay deductible if not your fault?
If your coverage includes a Direct Compensation and Property Damage (DCPD) deductible, you must still pay the DCPD deductible even if you are not at fault.
At what age is car insurance cheaper?
The most substantial reductions in auto insurance rates typically come as teen drivers get older, usually when they hit 18 or 19 years old. Rates continue to decline as you age, particularly once drivers pass the age of 25.
At what point is full coverage not worth it?
If Your Car Has Retained Much of Its Value
If the cost of car repairs exceeds the value of your car, insurance companies will consider it totaled. Instead of paying for repairs, you'll just receive a check. If your car is only worth a few thousand dollars, a full coverage premium might not be worth it.
Should I have collision insurance on a 13 year old car?
No matter how old your car is, you need collision insurance if you have an auto loan or lease. But what if you're not leasing your vehicle, and your loan is paid off? Collision insurance isn't required by law in any state, but it can provide valuable coverage if you're in an accident.
Do I really need fully comprehensive car insurance?
The coverage also pays to replace your car if it's stolen. Most lenders require you to have comprehensive coverage if you finance or lease your car. Comprehensive insurance could be worth it if you'd have a hard time coming up with cash to repair or replace your car on your own if misfortune strikes.
Is it worth having comprehensive insurance on an old car?
If your vehicle is older and is not worth as much, you may be able to reduce your insurance premium by avoiding comprehensive and collision coverage. However, if you have a loan on the vehicle or drive a leased vehicle, you may be required to have comprehensive coverage.
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.
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.
Does car insurance go up after comprehensive claim?
Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state. Comprehensive claims include non-collision events like car theft, car vandalism, car fire, chipped/cracked windshield, hitting an animal, and acts of nature.
Why do some people cancel their collision and comprehensive insurance when their car gets older?
Full coverage car insurance is likely to be a poor investment for vehicles that are more than 10 years old. After this period, the annual cost of insurance represents 46% of the value of older-model vehicles. After an at-fault crash, rates are very likely to exceed the value of vehicles that are 15 or more years old.