What is the Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage?

Collision coverage is typically used when a driver has been in a car accident. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicle if it is damaged in the accident. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, is independent of collision coverage and helps to cover different types of losses that are not usually the result of driving the vehicle, such as theft, hail, or fallen trees. It also covers damage caused by potholes.

Both comprehensive and collision coverage are optional, so you can pay for the repair or replacement of the vehicle if it gets damaged, but each coverage protects against different types of damage. Comprehensive and collision insurance do something that liability insurance doesn't do - they pay for damage to your own vehicle or compensate you in the event of theft. You can adjust the cost to a certain extent by opting for a higher car insurance deductible to lower your premiums, or vice versa. Get a quote for auto insurance, boat insurance, motorcycle insurance, recreational vehicle insurance, or other type of vehicle and add comprehensive and collision coverage to your quote. This is an optional type of coverage that helps cover the cost of a rental car if your car is damaged in an accident covered by your insurance policy. With so many options for auto insurance companies, it can be difficult to know where to start to find the right car insurance.

The state, with the exception of New Hampshire, requires its drivers to purchase liability insurance in order to drive legally. Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from unexpected damage, such as a tree branch falling on it or hitting an animal, while collision coverage protects against collisions with another vehicle or object. This means that you won't need to take out the coverage offered at the rental counter, such as the collision damage exemption, unless you want to avoid potential claims on your own policy. Collision insurance is beneficial in situations where your car is accidentally damaged, such as when you hit a pole. Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your car caused by disasters “other than collisions” and it costs significantly less than collision coverage. A car is stolen every 36 seconds according to the latest critical points report from the National Insurance Crimes Office (NICB).

Carl Somilleda
Carl Somilleda

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