Is full coverage the best?

Asked by: Isaiah Bogisich  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 5/5 (73 votes)

full-coverage car insurance. You'll pay more every month—about twice as much, on average—for full coverage. But you will get more protection against unexpected vehicle damage. You'll generally pay higher full-coverage premiums for more expensive cars, frequently stolen vehicles, and cars that cost more to repair.

Why is full coverage better?

Full coverage car insurance is often better than liability-only coverage because it offers the most protection. Full coverage auto insurance will likely replace or repair your car and help out with medical bills if your car is in a wreck or stolen.

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 is full coverage not worth it?

Paying for comprehensive and collision — the coverages that many people mean when they say "full coverage" — may not be worth it if your car's value is minimal and your policy includes a high deductible. Usually, you have to have comprehensive and collision on a financed car because most lenders require it.

Which type of car insurance is best?

Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy

This type of insurance policy provides complete protection. It covers both third-party liabilities as well as damages to your vehicle. Also, with a comprehensive cover, you can get compensation if the accident results in your death; the family members will receive the benefit.

How To Get Cheap Car Insurance With Insurify - Secret Tool

20 related questions found

Who is #1 in auto insurance?

State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. based on written premium, or the total amount it bills customers. Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company, followed by Geico and Allstate.

Which insurance cover is best for a car?

Comprehensive Car Cover

It's all you'll ever need and all you'll ever want when it comes to car cover types. This insurance package is comprehensive and worth the hype it gets.

Is it good to keep 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.

When should you stop getting full coverage on your car?

You should think about dropping your full coverage insurance policy if:
  1. You drive a high-mileage car. ...
  2. You struggle to fit the cost of auto insurance in your budget. ...
  3. Your car is worth less than the cost of your full-coverage policy. ...
  4. You have relatively high risk tolerance. ...
  5. You rarely drive.

What is not covered by full coverage insurance?

What's not covered with "full coverage"? Your medical expenses and your passengers' medical expenses are not covered by liability, collision, or comprehensive coverages. Medical bills can be covered by purchasing medical payments coverage or personal injury protection coverage.

What deductible is too high?

In 2023, health insurance plans with deductibles over $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a family are considered high-deductible plans.

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.

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.

What are the disadvantages of full coverage?

Full coverage insurance's disadvantages include a higher cost than basic liability coverage.

Is full coverage the most expensive?

The average cost of a full coverage auto policy in the United States is $2,638 per year. Because of the additional financial protection that full coverage adds, it is typically much more expensive than minimum coverage car insurance, which is $767 per year on average.

What insurance coverage is most important?

Maximize Liability Coverage

Most drivers should opt for auto insurance with the highest level of liability coverage available. Many should also buy additional liability coverage, which we'll discuss later on. Some states (like California) only require drivers to have as little as $30,000 in liability coverage.

At what point is car insurance not worth it?

You should hold on to full-coverage auto insurance until your annual premium meets or exceeds the estimated payout if your car needs to be repaired or replaced. If your car is five or six years old, the payout for replacement probably isn't worth what you pay in premiums.

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.

Does full coverage cover bad engine?

When does car insurance cover engine repair? If you have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, you're generally covered for engine repairs if the engine is damaged in an accident or due to an event outside of your control, such as a tree limb falling on your vehicle.

Is it smart to pay your insurance in full?

Fewer Bills Throughout the Year

No matter how you manage your bills, paying your premium in full will reduce the number of insurance payments you make in a year. In addition, fewer monthly expenses could help you allocate funds throughout the year for when it's time to renew your policy.

How many years should you keep full coverage on a vehicle?

It's financially smart to keep car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision coverages on vehicles that are younger than a decade. The cost of insuring a 5-year-old car equates to 27% of the car's value. After 10 years, the annual cost of car insurance represents 35% of a typical car's value.

Is it better to pay out of pocket or use car insurance?

If you can afford to pay out of pocket for the damages, it can be cheaper in the long run than having your insurance rates impacted for the next five years. However, the person you hit might not want you to pay out of pocket and would prefer to handle it through the insurance company.

Who gives best car insurance?

According to our research, California drivers pay an average car insurance premium of $2,973 per year for full coverage and $715 for minimum coverage. Bankrate's insurance editorial team determined that Geico, State Farm, Progressive and Mercury are among the best car insurance companies in California.

Which insurance is best for a car?

Comprehensive car insurance policy

It is an optional car insurance policy but is highly recommended for car owners who want the best protection for their four-wheelers. Comprehensive car insurance covers damage caused by natural disasters, accidents, theft, fire, and other such incidents.

Does insurance go up on older cars?

The older a car gets, the harder it may be to source these parts for repair, which can also drive up the cost of car insurance for older cars. Additionally, older cars may not have as many safety features as newer models.