What is the difference between comprehensive vs collision?
Asked by: Prof. Josue Casper MD | Last update: January 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (69 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 hitting a person a collision or comprehensive?
It would be covered under collision coverage. Collision covers damages anytime the car collides with another object.
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.
What is an example of comprehensive damage?
Comprehensive covers damage to your car caused by something other than a collision. For example, comprehensive can cover damage from fire, theft, vandalism, windstorm, flood, falling objects, etc.
Does a comprehensive claim raise rates?
Will comprehensive claims increase my rate? 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.
Does comprehensive cover hit while parked?
Understanding collision and comprehensive coverage
Damage to your car is covered under collision and comprehensive coverage. In most cases, hit and run damage on a parked car is covered under collision insurance.
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…
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.
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.
At what point is collision insurance not worth it?
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.
Does full coverage cover collision and comprehensive?
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.
Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?
This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.
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.
Why did car insurance go up in 2024?
Premiums increased throughout 2023 and 2024 for several reasons, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Inflation: The cost of repairing and replacing vehicles — and paying medical and legal bills — has risen even faster than inflation, according to the Institute.
When should I get comprehensive insurance?
If your vehicle's cash value is relatively low and you have a higher deductible, for example, it may not be worthwhile to carry comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, it may be worthwhile if your vehicle has a higher cash value, or you cannot afford the cost to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket.
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.
Is glass damage 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.
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.
What does comprehensive coverage not cover?
Comprehensive coverage does not cover damages caused by hitting another vehicle or object. These incidents are covered under collision coverage. It will also not cover normal wear and tear on your vehicle.
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.