differences between comprehensive and collision coverage

When it comes to buying auto insurance, most people are familiar with the two basic types of coverage:

comprehensive and collision. But how much do you know about the differences between these two policies?

If you’re looking to buy your first car, or maybe just want to double-check yours  current coverage, read on as we explore six of the main differences between comprehensive and collision coverage.

Policy limits

Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your car if it is stolen or vandalized. Collision insurance only pays for repairs after a car accident.

Comprehensive covers vandalism and theft, too, but you have to file a claim with your insurance company first. Comp doesn’t cover those things unless they are related to an accident.

For example, if someone sneaks into your garage while you’re out of town and scratches the paint on your car, that wouldn’t be covered by collision because there was no crash.

But if they managed to get inside your garage and steal your car, that would be covered.

Another difference: If you’re in a wreck and totaled the vehicle, then crashed into a building and caused $3,000 in damage to its exterior, collision will pay for both losses (the other driver’s $3,000 plus your own $3,000).

Comprehensive won’t do this; instead it will reimburse you up to the policy limit amount per incident. When buying auto insurance, make sure to take these six points into consideration before making your final decision.

Cost

The main difference between these two types of car insurance is the cost. Comprehensive insurance is significantly more expensive than collision insurance because it offers protection against a wider range of risks, including theft, vandalism, fire and natural disasters.

Collision insurance only covers damage to your vehicle caused by other cars in accidents with you, but not from any other event.

Individuals who want to save money on their auto insurance can purchase one type of coverage or the other, or they can purchase both types.

The different levels of each type are available as well: an individual may buy just liability coverage for their own vehicle, or they may buy full coverage for all kinds of damages.

Some states mandate that drivers have at least some form of auto insurance; if an individual does not have either type, they will be breaking the law.

If someone chooses to have collision coverage and not comprehensive coverage, this usually means that they do not own items like jewelry or electronics which would need protection from theft.

In addition, people who live in areas prone to natural disasters might opt for a higher level of both types of coverage.

Add-ons

These are the six different types of add-ons that can be added to your vehicle insurance policy:

1. Comprehensive Coverage – This is a standard form of car insurance that covers damages to the insured vehicle caused by any incident other than a collision.

It will pay out for damages such as theft, vandalism, fire, or flooding.

2. Collision Coverage – This is the most common form of auto insurance on the market today. It offers protection against physical damage in case of an accident.

In order to have this coverage, it must be purchased at the same time as comprehensive coverage.

3. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – PIP pays for medical expenses following an injury from an automobile accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Generally speaking, PIP doesn’t provide payment for pain and suffering . In addition, there may be limits on what kind of treatment is covered.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with someone without proper insurance, or someone without enough insurance.

Availability

Both types of coverage are designed to protect your car from financial loss due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.

But there are six important differences that you need to know about before making a decision about which type of insurance is right for you.

The first difference is the deductible. Comprehensive insurance has a higher deductible than collision coverage because it covers more things.

Second, comprehensive insurance covers damages to other vehicles in the event of an accident where collision does not.

Third, comprehensive insurance covers things like roadside assistance and emergency service while collisions does not cover these services;

however, if you have roadside assistance through your auto insurer they will tow the damaged vehicle to the nearest garage or dealership at no cost to you.

Fourth, collision only pays for repairs up to the actual cash value of your car minus deductibles.

Finally, many people consider their premiums when deciding on whether or not to purchase comprehensive coverage. With cheaper premiums comes lower payouts but higher deductibles when filing a claim.

Coverage

Comprehensive coverage covers a car for any damage that may occur to it as the result of an event other than a collision. This includes events such as theft, vandalism, or weather related damages.

Collision coverage only covers accidents where two cars collide with one another. Comprehensive coverage is sometimes referred to as other than collision or OTC insurance.

Some drivers prefer to have both types of insurance because if they have an accident, they are covered for both types.

If a driver has only collision coverage and collides with someone else’s vehicle, then he will be liable for paying for repairs on his own car in addition to paying for repairs on the other person’s vehicle.

Comparing costs between the two kinds of policies can help determine which one is more affordable based on your driving habits and financial situation

Deductibles

Comprehensive insurance is a type of car insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle when it is damaged in an accident.

However, if you have this type of insurance, there’s a good chance your deductible will be higher than the deductible on collision coverage, which only pays to repair or replace your vehicle in case of an accident.

Comprehensive coverage also covers certain events like theft, natural disasters and vandalism. Collision coverage does not cover these types of events, but it does cover accidents.

Collision insurance also has a lower deductible than comprehensive coverage for most drivers.

If you don’t want to pay any deductible at all, then you may consider adding collision coverage to your policy as well as comprehensive coverage.

Finally, collision coverage is usually less expensive than comprehensive because it doesn’t cover all of the events that are covered by comprehensive insurance.