What is a fully insured car?

Asked by: Mrs. Emmy Pouros V  |  Last update: November 4, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (51 votes)

Full coverage car insurance typically refers to having a policy that covers multiple things, like liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. But full coverage isn't an actual insurance term – it usually refers to combining state-required coverages with other optional coverages that fit your specific needs.

What is full coverage insurance for a car?

Having “full coverage” can mean having more than the minimum required coverage. For example, the minimum bodily liability limit in California is $15,000. A “full coverage” policy may have a bodily liability limit of $100,000. 3. Higher limits afford you greater protection for any assets.

How do I know if I have full insurance on my car?

If you see both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage (sometimes referred as "other than collision" coverage) listed under your vehicle, then you're covered for physical damage.

What does it mean to be fully covered by insurance?

Covered-in-full, or full coverage, means a benefit is paid entirely by your health insurance plan. In other words, it's free for you!

Does full coverage insurance cover medical bills?

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.

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Do you need medical payments for full coverage?

Medical payments coverage is usually optional. So, if you cause a car accident and don't have medical payments coverage, you will have to pay out of your own pocket for your medical bills. On the other hand, auto liability coverage is required by law in most states.

Does car insurance cover funeral costs?

Personal injury protection coverage also provides loss wage payments, co-pays, deductibles, and as we discussed already, funeral expenses.

What does it mean when a car is fully insured?

Full coverage car insurance typically refers to having a policy that covers multiple things, like liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. But full coverage isn't an actual insurance term – it usually refers to combining state-required coverages with other optional coverages that fit your specific needs.

What happens if I crash my car with full coverage?

Assuming you're covered, your insurer will send a payment to your lender for the actual cash value of the car, minus any deductible. Make sure you give your lender's contact information and the account number to your agent or insurance company.

What is considered fully insured?

The definition of fully insured plan can be termed as it is the most common type of health benefits plan offered by employers. This traditional health insurance model relies on a third-party insurance carrier to assume financial risk and pay claims for members in exchange for pre-paid premiums.

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.

What happens if your car gets stolen and you have full coverage?

Downey drivers whose cars are stolen in Califonia will have car theft insurance if they have comprehensive coverage. That should cover you up to the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of your vehicle. If your car is damaged due to a break-in, you'll also be covered.

At what point do you drop full coverage on my car?

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.

What full coverage doesn't cover?

However, full coverage insurance does NOT include: Uninsured motorist bodily injury – covers your medical costs if hit by an uninsured driver. Uninsured motorist property damage – pays for car repairs if hit by an uninsured driver.

Is collision full coverage?

Is full coverage both comprehensive and collision? Yes, "full coverage" car insurance typically refers to carrying both comprehensive and collision in addition to any state-required auto coverages.

What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?

You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)

Does full coverage cover if your car breaks down?

No. Even if you have “full coverage” with Comprehensive and Collision, your car insurance won't pay for engine failure not caused by a covered claim.

What happens if your car is totaled before you pay it off?

Let's say your totaled car's ACV is $10,000. If you still owe $12,000 on your car loan, your insurer will cut your lender a check for $10,000 and you'll still owe $2,000. As painful as it is, you're legally obligated to make your monthly loan payments to the lender until the loan is paid off.

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.

What happens when car gets wrecked but full coverage?

Suppose, for instance, that a tree topples onto your parked car and your insurer declares it's totaled. If you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy, it will likely reimburse you for the actual cash value of your vehicle (again, minus your deductible).

Why is my full coverage car insurance so high?

Car accidents and traffic violations are common explanations for an insurance rate increase, but other reasons why your car insurance rate can go up include changing your address, adding a new vehicle or driver, increases to claims in your ZIP code, and increases to car repair/replacement cost.

What insurance pays off a car after death?

Credit life insurance is a life insurance policy connected to a specific debt, such as a mortgage, car loan or line of credit. If you die before paying off the debt, the credit life insurance policy pays out a death benefit. The death benefit goes toward paying off your remaining loan balance.

What is the most common bodily injury coverage?

The most commonly required liability limits are $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, which mean:
  • $25,000 in bodily injury per person.
  • $50,000 in total bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage per accident.

Is no-fault insurance the same as full coverage?

Collision coverage (if you've added it to your policy) helps pay to repair your car if it's damaged in a crash with another vehicle. No-fault insurance does not cover vehicle theft. Comprehensive coverage (if you've added it to your policy) helps pay to replace your car if it's stolen.