What is comprehensive vs collision?
Asked by: Miss Juana Willms MD | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (31 votes)
Is it better to have collision or comprehensive?
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.
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.
Is comprehensive the same as full coverage?
"Full coverage," on the other hand, is an ambiguous term often used to refer to both comprehensive and collision coverage, plus any other coverage your state mandates. Liability is a required coverage in most states, for example, while comprehensive is optional.
Is it worth getting comprehensive?
Comprehensive coverage protects you from events outside your control like natural disasters or collisions with animals. These risks vary considerably from one area to another and might affect your decision about when to drop comprehensive coverage, especially on an older vehicle.
Comprehensive Vs. Collision Coverage Tips
When should I drop comprehensive coverage?
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.
Will a comprehensive claim raise insurance?
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.
What does fully comprehensive cover include?
Fully comprehensive car insurance includes as standard all the protection you'd get from third party, fire and theft insurance, in addition to covering you if an accident is your fault (with some exclusions). If you are looking for motorbike insurance, or van insurance, see our specialist guides.
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 a good collision deductible?
$500 is the most common car insurance deductible. Not every type of car insurance coverage uses a deductible. A higher car deductible can lower your insurance premium. You pick your deductible when buying insurance.
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.
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.
Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?
This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.
Why are male drivers under 25 charge for insurance at a higher rate?
Insurance companies often charge higher rates for male drivers under 25 primarily because they are more likely to be involved in a crash. Statistical evidence shows that young male drivers have a significantly higher crash rate compared to their female counterparts.
Does comprehensive cover theft?
Comprehensive coverage covers losses like theft, vandalism, hail, and hitting an animal. For example, if you are driving and hit a deer, the damage would be covered under comprehensive coverage.
What does comprehensive insurance not cover?
There are several things that comprehensive insurance does not cover, including: Damage from a collision. Damage to another driver's car from a collision. Medical expenses after an accident.
What is included in a comprehensive?
Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail). If you're financing or leasing your car, your lender likely requires comprehensive coverage.
Does comprehensive insurance cover paint damage?
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive coverage covers a wide range of non-collision-related incidents that could lead to paint damage, such as vandalism, theft, and natural disasters (like hail damage). It's not legally required, but it's often essential for those who want to protect their investment fully.
How much should a comprehensive deductible be?
Comprehensive deductibles can range from $100 to $2,000 in most states. The right comprehensive deductible amount for you depends on your preferences and needs for out-of-pocket costs and your overall insurance rate.
How long does a comprehensive claim stay on your insurance?
In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.
What is more expensive collision or comprehensive?
Typically, collision car insurance costs more than comprehensive coverage. 12 The cost of both types of coverage can depend on factors such as your location and the type of vehicle you drive. Your premiums may increase if you have had frequent or high-value claims.
Will my car insurance go up if I file a comprehensive claim?
Filing a claim against your insurance policy may lead to an increase in your premium. The size of the increase will depend on the type and severity of the claim, as well as your driving record. It is possible that no rate increase will occur if the claim does not affect your driving risk profile.
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.
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.