What is the cost difference between comprehensive and collision?

Asked by: Wade O'Keefe MD  |  Last update: December 31, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (37 votes)

Insurance rates depend on many factors, including vehicle type, driving history and deductible amounts. Collision coverage typically costs about the same as a liability-only policy, so adding this coverage would likely double your premium. Comprehensive insurance raises premiums by about 10%.

Is comprehensive more expensive than collision?

Comprehensive coverage usually costs less than collision coverage, though costs may vary based on the insurer, your location, the value of your vehicle, and other factors. You can adjust the cost to some degree by opting for a higher car insurance deductible to lower your premiums or vice-versa.

What does $100 k /$ 300k /$ 100k mean?

The numbers in the coverage refer to the maximum amount your insurer will pay out for each type of claim. So, in a 100/300/100 policy, you would have $100,000 coverage per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident.

When should you drop collision and 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.

How much should my collision and comprehensive deductible be?

Generally, drivers tend to have average deductibles of $500. Common deductible amounts also include $250, $1000, and $2000, according to WalletHub. You can also select separate comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles.

What is the Difference between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

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How much will my car insurance go up after a comprehensive claim?

By State. You can expect the most elevated car insurance rates post-accident in California, where the average increase is more than 74 percent.

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.

Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?

This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.

Do you have to have both comprehensive and collision insurance?

Some insurers require that you purchase collision and comprehensive insurance together, while other insurers may allow you to purchase these two types of coverage separately. Collision insurance pays for: Damage to your car in an accident you cause. Damage to your car if you hit an object such as a fence or pole.

How can I lower my comprehensive insurance?

13 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate
  1. Increase your deductible.
  2. Check for discounts you qualify for.
  3. Compare auto insurance quotes.
  4. Maintain a good driving record.
  5. Participate in a safe driving program.
  6. Take a defensive driving course.
  7. Explore payment options.
  8. Improve your credit score.

What is the purpose of comprehensive auto insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance is a coverage that helps pay to replace or repair your vehicle if it's stolen or damaged in an incident that's not a collision. Comprehensive, sometimes called "other than collision" coverage, typically covers damage from fire, vandalism or falling objects (like a tree or hail).

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 a door ding considered a collision?

Comprehensive insurance policies usually cover door dings, as they are considered non-collision damage. Collision coverage policies generally only cover damage caused by a collision with another vehicle. You can also opt for a paintless dent repair plan, which can help restore minor dings and dents to your vehicle.

Is it worth getting comprehensive?

Whether comprehensive coverage makes sense for you depends on the value of your vehicle, how you're paying for it and your overall financial situation. If you have an auto loan or are leasing your car, you'll probably be required to get 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.

When should you drop collision insurance?

You can drop collision insurance if the collision deductible combined with the total cost of the coverage is higher than the current market value of your car. You should also drop it if your car's value is equal to or less than the deductible, since the coverage won't pay out if you file a claim.

What does pip mean in insurance terms?

Personal injury protection (PIP), also known as no-fault insurance, covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers if you're injured in an accident.

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.

Is a cracked windshield comprehensive or collision?

In most cases, you need to carry comprehensive coverage for your car insurance policy to cover a cracked or broken windshield and other types of glass damage, but collision coverage often applies in an accident with another vehicle.

What is the 3 tire rule?

Simply put, most standard car insurance policies will not cover the cost of 3 slashed tires. However, this isn't for the reason that many people think. The popular myth is that your insurance provider would cover the cost of 4 slashed tires, but not 3. If you think this sounds a little silly, you're right.

Is hitting a pothole comp or collision?

Does insurance cover pothole damage? Yes, but only if you carry collision coverage. This coverage is optional, but it can cover you if you hit an obstacle such as a guard rail, telephone pole, or pothole.

What is a good comprehensive deductible?

There aren't any hard statistics on this, but industry sources say a $500 deductible is considered “standard.” There are good reasons to opt for a higher deductible, though…

How to not pay deductible for roof?

The only way a deductible is saved is by turning in a false invoice that reflects the higher dollar amount, not what you actually paid. It is this false invoice where a bad contractor can get you in big trouble. Approximately one in three claims are internally audited by insurance companies.

Will raising my deductible lower my car insurance?

When you're choosing a deductible, keep in mind that you may be more or less comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs vs monthly costs. A high deductible will lower your overall insurance rate, however it will increase your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.