What's the difference between collision and comprehensive?
Asked by: Brook Hane | Last update: November 26, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (45 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 an object collision or comprehensive?
If you hit another car or a stationary object like a telephone pole (or if you roll over), you'll be covered by collision insurance.
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 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.
Is a tire blowout comprehensive or collision?
The type of insurance that covers accidents involving tire blowouts is called comprehensive insurance. This insurance is used when factors other than an accident or collision caused damaged to your vehicle, which are covered under collision insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do I need comprehensive insurance on a financed car?
If you have an auto loan, the lender will likely require you to have comprehensive and collision coverage, in addition to liability and other legally required coverages, which your lender may refer to as "full coverage." Lenders may also require additional coverages, such as uninsured motorist coverage or gap insurance ...
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.
Is hitting a tire comprehensive or collision?
This accident would actually be paid out under your collision coverage because you collided with the tire.
Who is responsible if a rock hits my windshield?
When a rock from the vehicle in front of you hits your windshield, the first question on your mind might be, “Who's responsible for this?” Unfortunately, in most cases, the answer is you.
Will a glass claim raise my insurance?
Filing an Auto Glass Claim May Impact Your Insurance Rate
Any time you file an auto insurance claim – even for auto glass repair or replacement – your insurance provider has the option of increasing your rate. While a single claim may not generate a rate spike, several may.
What does collision not cover?
Collision insurance does not cover: Damage to your vehicle not related to driving (examples: hail or theft) Damage to another person's vehicle. Medical bills (yours or another person's)
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 comprehensive?
Comprehensive coverage doesn't cover pothole damage to your car. For this, you'll need collision coverage. If your vehicle is paid off and not a lease, collision coverage is optional, but it may be worth considering if you often find yourself dodging potholes.
What does comprehensive coverage not cover?
Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your car from animals, falling trees, natural disasters, theft, and vandalism. It does not cover damage to other vehicles or people.
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.
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.