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Collision and comprehensive insurance are two main types of car insurance that provide similar types of coverage for repairs and replacements to your vehicle. The main difference is what kind of incidents are covered.
All types of car insurance are meant to offer financial protection. However, each type has different standards for what it covers.
In this practical guide for understanding car insurance, we explain how collision insurance will cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle after an accident, and comprehensive insurance covers incidents that are out of your control, such as natural disasters or vandalism.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to get affordable collision or comprehensive car insurance quotes.
What You Should Know
- Collision policies cover auto accidents or collisions with stationary objects
- Comprehensive insurance covers theft, vandalism, and weather or animal damages
- You may experience limits in how much is covered if you don't have the right policy
Comprehensive vs. Collision Insurance Explained
What is collision coverage? Collision coverage is a type of car insurance that covers repairs to your vehicle after an accident. This could be an accident that involves another vehicle, or it could be an incident that occurs with only your car.
For example, collision insurance would cover your vehicle if another vehicle hits your car or if you hit something, such as a tree. In addition, if your car is damaged in a hit-and-run, collision coverage may cover repairs if you don't have uninsured motorist insurance.
What is comprehensive coverage? Comprehensive car insurance covers repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by an incident that is not considered an accident. This could include:
- Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or earthquakes
- Vandalism or theft
- Fire
- Hitting an animal
- Terrorism
If your car is stolen and not recovered, your comprehensive coverage will cover the cost of replacing your vehicle. The events covered by a comprehensive policy are sometimes called "acts of God" since they are incidents you generally have no control over.
The Difference Between Collision vs. Comprehensive Insurance
What is the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance? When summing up car insurance, comprehensive vs. collision comes down to the reason for damage to the vehicle.
If the policyholder controls how their vehicle is damaged, or if another driver damages the vehicle, collision insurance will provide coverage. However, if the policyholder is not in control of the damage, comprehensive insurance will provide coverage.
| Feature | Collision Coverage | Comprehensive Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Covers damage from accidents | ✅ | ❌ |
| Covers non-collision incidents (e.g., theft, weather) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Required by lenders for financed cars | ✅ | ✅ |
| Covers damage from hitting an object (e.g., pole) | ✅ | ❌ |
| Covers damage from animal collisions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Lower monthly premiums | ❌ | ✅ |
Sometimes, it may become confusing to determine whether collision vs. comprehensive will cover the damages to your vehicle.
For example, if a tree branch falls on your car, comprehensive coverage would cover repairs. However, if you swerve to avoid being hit by a falling branch and you hit a tree, collision coverage would pay for repairs.
Learn More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance
How Comprehensive And Collision Coverage Work
You should keep in mind that car insurance companies usually require that you purchase different coverage types before being able to buy the next type.
For example, most car insurance companies require that you purchase liability coverage before collision coverage. Then, you would need to buy liability and collision coverage to purchase comprehensive coverage. Therefore, you would have to pay for all three types of coverage, which is known as full coverage car insurance.
Is comprehensive insurance full coverage? It's included in the policy, but full coverage vs. comprehensive and collision insurance provides more complete protection.
However, when you buy collision or comprehensive car insurance, policy limits determine how much you may receive from the insurance company for repairs or replacement costs. For instance, the Progressive collision coverage limit for pet bills is $1,000, meaning you'll have to pay out-of-pocket if vet bills are higher.
Your insurance company and state laws are responsible for establishing whether your car should be repaired or considered totaled. In most states, if the cost of the repairs exceeds 75% of your car's value before the accident, it is totaled.
If your car is deemed to be totaled, you are likely to receive the value of your car from the insurance company, but you should check with your insurance policy and company to understand your agreement.
Comparing Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage Costs
How much does collision and comprehensive coverage cost? Let's take a look at the average monthly collision vs. comprehensive car insurance rates from the best car insurance companies:
| Insurance Company | Collision | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|
 |
$36 | $26 |
 |
$33 | $22 |
 |
$30 | $14 |
 |
$22 | $8 |
 |
$31 | $16 |
 |
$28 | $14 |
 |
$25 | $12 |
 |
$29 | $23 |
 |
$27 | $13 |
 |
$24 | $10 |
Comprehensive coverage at State Farm is pricier at $23 a month. For cheap auto insurance, collision vs. comprehensive rates are lowest with Geico and Travelers. USAA also has affordable comprehensive and collision insurance, but it's only available to military families.
Safe driver discounts are a great way to save money on car insurance. We'll show you how they work and how drivers can qualify with a safe driving app. Learn more: https://t.co/czFW3rcGl8 pic.twitter.com/ZNu1sY02dR
— USAA (@USAA) November 18, 2022
While it is more expensive than liabilty-only coverage, you may want to consider buying collision or comprehensive insurance if your car is over a specific value or under a certain age. The newer and more expensive your car is, the more costly repairs or a replacement would be.
Read More: USAA vs. State Farm: Compare Car Insurance
Collision vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance by State
How much does collision insurance cost? In most cases, collision coverage is a little bit more expensive per month than comprehensive coverage. But you'll see higher monthly comprehensive rates in states like Montana and Wyoming, where snowy weather and wild animals lead to more claims.
Do you really need fully comprehensive car insurance? Collision and comprehensive offer protection against expensive out-of-pocket costs, so you should consider buying it even if you're not required to have it in your state.
When should you consider not carrying comprehensive insurance? If you expect that you are able to afford expensive repairs or to replace your vehicle after an incident, you won't need comprehensive coverage vs. collision insurance.
Read More: Top 10 States With The Highest Car Insurance Claim Satisfaction
Collision vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance by Claim
Filing a collision claim usually raises insurance rates more than a comprehensive claim because it suggests a higher risk of future accidents. This table shows how much monthly full coverage insurance rates increase after a collision auto insurance claim:
| Insurance Company | Before Claim | After Claim |
|---|---|---|
|
$168 | $260 |
|
$128 | $205 |
|
$177 | $255 |
|
$100 | $175 |
|
$142 | $222 |
|
$128 | $205 |
|
$158 | $248 |
|
$117 | $143 |
|
$120 | $167 |
|
$87 | $123 |
Is hitting a person a collision or comprehensive claim? You would file a collision claims since the incident involved driver error, and insurers will consider you more likely to file claims in the future. Even a single at-fault accident can double rates at companies like Progressive and Liberty Mutual.
Comprehensive claims, like hail or theft, typically have a smaller impact since they aren’t tied to driving behavior. This table breaks down monthly full coverage insurance before and after a comprehensive car insurance claim:
| Insurance Company | Before Claim | After Claim |
|---|---|---|
|
$155 | $192 |
|
$119 | $142 |
|
$160 | $175 |
|
$90 | $117 |
|
$120 | $140 |
|
$125 | $142 |
|
$150 | $167 |
|
$98 | $117 |
|
$128 | $150 |
|
$85 | $100 |
Does a comprehensive claim raise rates? Yes, but since these incidents are beyond the driver’s control and arent indicators of risky behavior, rates only increase by an average $20 a month. However, multiple comprehensive claims in a short period can still lead to higher premiums.
Ways to Get Cheap Comprehensive & Collision Coverage
If you want affordable auto insurance, comprehensive vs. collision insurance qualifies for many different discounts. American Family, Geico, and Liberty Mutual offer discounts of 25% or more for installing anti-theft devices or insuring multiple vehicles.
| Insurance Company | Anti-Theft | Good Student | Multi-Vehicle | UBI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
10% | 22% | 25% | 30% |
 |
25% | 20% | 20% | 30% |
 |
10% | 15% | 20% | 30% |
 |
25% | 15% | 25% | 25% |
 |
35% | 12% | 25% | 30% |
 |
5% | 18% | 20% | 40% |
 |
25% | 10% | 12% | $231/yr |
 |
15% | 35% | 20% | 30% |
 |
15% | 8% | 8% | 30% |
 |
15% | 10% | 10% | 30% |
In many states, insurers use credit scores to determine rates. How does credit score affect insurance premiums? Maintaining good credit by paying bills on time and reducing debt can help lower your collision vs. comprehensive car insurance costs.
If you have bad credit or don't qualify for some of the discounts listed above, follow these other ways to save money on car insurance:
- Accident Forgiveness: Prevents your rates from going up after your first at-fault accident and can save you money if you qualify for free accident forgiveness based on a clean driving record.
- Bundle Policies: This can lead to significant savings on both collision and comprehensive coverage if you bundle auto insurance with homeowners, renters, or other policies.
- Use Telematics: Usage-based and pay-per-mile car insurance can track driving habits and monthly mileage to give safe, low-mileage drivers cheaper rates.
Insurance companies also calculate premiums differently, so comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the best deal on collision and comprehensive coverage.
How Collision vs. Comprehensive Insurance Deductibles Lower Rates
Car insurance deductibles are another way to save. A comprehensive vs. collision deductible is the amount you pay upfront before your insurer covers repair costs. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums.
Collision and comprehensive car insurance both have deductibles, but they apply in different situations. A collision deductible is what you pay when your car is damaged in an accident. A comprehensive deductible applies to non-collision incidents, like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1,000? A $1,000 deductible will give you lower monthly rates but cost more out-of-pocket in case of a claim. The higher your deductible, the cheaper your collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance is.
Many companies offer diminishing deductibles, which lower your deductibles every year you remain claim-free. For example, American Family reduces deductibles by $100 per year until your deductible reaches $0 if you avoid accidents or filing comprehensive claims.
Some insurers waive deductibles for minor windshield repairs, and if another driver is fully at fault in an accident, their insurance may cover your damages, so you won’t pay your collision deductible.
Read More: American Family Car Insurance Review
When You Need Comprehensive vs. Collision Car Insurance
If you're shopping for car insurance, collision and comprehensive policies are not required by law, but it is recommended if you have a newer car or a model with expensive replacement parts.
There may be some instances where you are required to have it. For example, if you lease or finance a vehicle, the finance company may require that you carry collision or comprehensive insurance. Having gap insurance also ensures you can still pay off your loan or lease if the vehicle is totaled or stolen.
At what point does collision insurance stop being beneficial for a consumer? When to drop collision insurance depends on the age of your vehicle. If it costs more to repair it than it's worth, go ahead and drop collision vs. comprehensive insurance.
Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to compare quotes and explore your coverage options today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision insurance?
The difference between collision and comprehensive auto insurance is what's covered by the policy. Collision insurance covers crashes with other cars or stationary objects, while comprehensive car insurance pays for other types of damage caused by animals, weather, theft, or vandalism.
What is comprehensive insurance vs. collision?
What type of damage would be covered under comprehensive? Comprehensive car insurance specifically covers "acts of God" that are outside of the driver's control, such as flooding, wind damage, or vandalism. Collision insurance applies in auto accidents with other cars or property.
Is hitting a deer comprehensive or collision?
Does car insurance cover hitting a deer? Yes, you would file a comprehensive claim since wild animal behavior is beyond a driver's control.
Is a parked car hit covered by collision or comprehensive coverage?
If you hit a parked car while driving, your collision coverage would pay to repair your vehicle while your liability policy covers the other person's property. However, if your parked car is hit by another driver, you would file a claim with their liability insurance.
Is hitting a pothole collision or comprehensive?
If you hit a pothole, you'll file a collision car insurance claim to cover any damage.
Is hitting a mailbox comprehensive or collision?
If you hit a mailbox, your collision insurance will cover any damage to your vehicle, while liability insurance will pay to repair the mailbox. If you hit your own mailbox, your homeowners or renters insurance would cover those damages.
What do I do after a car accident or collision?
Call the police if anyone is injured or there is substantial property damage. Depending on the type of incident that causes damage to your vehicle, you will file a claim with your insurer under either your collision or comprehensive insurance policy.
Learn More: 5 Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Is a tire blowout comprehensive or collision insurance?
Tire blowouts are only covered by collision insurance if the blowout was caused by an accident. If the tire blew because of weather damage or vandals, comprehensive insurance applies. However, insurance will not pay for tire blowouts caused by normal wear and tear.
Will my car insurance go up if I make a comprehensive claim?
Car insurance rates increase after filing a claim, but comprehensive claims won't raise your rates as high as a collision or liability claim. Learn when to file a car insurance claim to avoid unnecessary rate increases.
Which person would most benefit from having collision insurance?
The owner of the car benefits the most from collision insurance because it covers the cost of repairs if their vehicle is damaged.
Is it better to have comprehensive or collision insurance?
Choosing between comprehensive insurance vs. collision depends on where you live. Comprehensive insurance is better in areas with high auto theft rates or weather-related incidents, while collision insurance is better if you live in a big city or have a long commute.
When should you drop collision and comprehensive coverage?
You can drop comprehensive and collision coverage once you pay off your auto loan. Should you have collision insurance on a 10-year-old car? You can drop coverage on older cars if it costs more to repair them than they're worth.
Do I need comprehensive and collision if my car is paid off?
No, you aren't required to carry collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance if your car is paid off. However, you might want to if it will still cost more than you can afford to repair or replace your vehicle. Find cheap car insurance for used cars in our guide to get the best rates.