What is liability vs collision coverage?

Asked by: Brady Hamill  |  Last update: October 6, 2025
Score: 5/5 (49 votes)

Property damage liability coverage pays for the cost to repair damage you cause to property owned by someone else. Collision coverage pays to repair your own vehicle less your deductible.

What's the difference between comp and liability?

These business insurance policies help protect your business from different types of liability. General liability insurance protects your business from damages it may cause, while workers' comp insurance helps protect your employees from work-related injuries or illnesses.

Do I really need collision coverage?

While people seem to believe it's the most important coverage, it really isn't. It's important, but it isn't the most important. Collision pays for your vehicle's repair/replacement if it gets damaged/wrecked. Fault doesn't enter into it.

When should I drop collision coverage on my car?

If your vehicle is paid off, there are only a few instances that justify dropping collision coverage: Your vehicle's value is less than a few thousand dollars: If your car holds minimal value, collision coverage may not be worth carrying. This is especially true when a large car insurance deductible is involved.

What does collision coverage pay for?

Collision insurance helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged from: A collision with another vehicle. A collision with an object, such as a fence or tree. A single-car accident that involves rolling or falling over.

🚗 Liability Insurance vs Full Coverage: What's the Difference? 2024

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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 type of accident will collision insurance not cover?

Be aware that collision insurance only reimburses you for damage to your car – not for damage to other vehicles or objects, or for bodily injuries sustained in the accident.

How much collision deductible do I need?

Before you choose a deductible, most insurance professionals recommend you figure out what you can afford to pay if your car is damaged in an accident. If your budget allows for a maximum out-of-pocket expense of $500, you probably should not choose a deductible higher than $500.

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.

Should I add collision coverage on rental car?

Do I need a damage waiver for my rental car? You should consider a collision damage waiver if you don't have collision coverage on your car insurance policy. If you already have collision coverage, a collision damage waiver may still make sense if: Your policy excludes coverage for rental vehicles.

Why would you not want to have collision coverage?

Collision insurance only pays up to the current market value of your car, minus your collision deductible. Since older cars typically have a low market value, collision coverage won't pay out much, if anything, in a total loss. Be sure to research your car's worth before deciding on whether to drop the 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.

Do I need uninsured coverage if I have collision coverage?

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.

What happens if you don't have full coverage on a financed car?

Lender Requirements: Many lenders mandate full coverage to protect their financial interest in the vehicle. If you fail to maintain the required coverage, the lender may impose force-placed insurance, which is often more expensive and offers minimal coverage.

Do I need comprehensive and collision?

Unlike property damage liability insurance (which covers damage to other people's property), collision and comprehensive insurance are optional in California.

Does full coverage cover at-fault accidents?

Full coverage car insurance covers the costs to repair damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. However, in most states, it doesn't include coverage for bodily injuries that you or your passengers sustained. In “no-fault” states, your auto insurance does cover your bodily injuries up to the limits purchased.

At what point should you drop collision coverage?

The standard rule of thumb used to be that car owners should drop collision and comprehensive insurance when the car was five or six years old, or when the mileage reached the 100,000 mark. Plenty of websites weigh in on this.) But now it depends on the value of the car and its replacement parts.

Should you have full coverage on a 12 year old car?

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.

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.

Can the color of your car affect your insurance premium?

Does car color affect insurance rates? The color of your car doesn't affect your insurance rate. Instead, your insurance company uses other information, like your car's age, location, usage, and your driving record, to help determine insurance rates.

Which person would most benefit from having collision insurance?

Final answer: The person who would most benefit from having collision insurance is someone who just purchased a new car, as it provides protection for their valuable investment. Others with older vehicles or those who use someone else's car infrequently may not need this insurance.

What happens when you have an automobile policy with a $500 deductible on collision?

Example:You have a $500 deductible and $3,000 in damage from hitting a deer. With comprehensive insurance coverage, your insurer will pay $2,500 to repair your car, and you'll be responsible for the remaining $500.

When to not have collision insurance?

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.

What is a good deductible for collision insurance?

Most drivers choose a $500 auto insurance deductible, but policies with higher deductibles cost less. Choosing a plan with a higher deductible to get a lower insurance rate means higher out-of-pocket costs when filing a claim.

Will insurance cover if I hit another car?

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle. It may also help with the cost of repairs if you hit another vehicle or object. That means you can use it whether you're at fault or not.