Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage

One of the key ways you can protect yourself—and your wallet—if you have a car is obtaining adequate car insurance. However, doing so may be easier said than done, especially if you’re not familiar with the ins-and-outs of auto insurance. Read on to learn more about the basics of collision and comprehensive coverage and how they may be right for you.  

The Basics 
Collision and comprehensive coverages provide financial safety nets in the event that your vehicle is physically damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced. Although these coverages are generally not required by state laws, they can reduce your financial hardship during a loss.  

Also, if you are financing a loan for a car, your lender will most likely require both collision and comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance policy. 

Comprehensive Coverage 
Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that is caused by theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters or hitting an animal. 

• Comprehensive coverage comes with a deductible and the insurer will only pay as much as the vehicle is worth at the time of the incident. 

• To calculate how much your car is worth, look up the Kelley Blue Book value or the National Automobile Dealers Association’s Official Used Car Guide value. If your car is low in value, the yearly premiums for comprehensive coverage may not be a sound investment. 

• Comprehensive coverage has many limitations, so it’s best to review your policy carefully to make sure you are properly covered. 

Collision Coverage 
Collision coverage pays for the cost to repair damages to a vehicle due to an accident, either with another vehicle or an object. Typically, you will collect only the actual cash value of your car versus the replacement cost value. Gap insurance protects you in the event you owe more than your vehicle is worth. 

• Collision coverage is generally the most expensive portion of a car insurance policy. 

• Premiums are based on a number of factors, including your deductible, driving record and the type of car you drive. If your driving record is fairly clean (no or very few tickets or accidents), your premiums will be lower because you are less likely to have a collision.

Cost-savings Strategies 
If you’re looking for ways to save money on your premiums, consider the following strategies: 

1. Raise your deductible. 
2. Establish a solid credit history. 
3. Maintain a clean driving record. 
4. Install an anti-theft device in your vehicle. 
5. Ask your insurer about safe-driving discounts. 
6. Ask about opportunities to bundle your insurance policies (e.g., homeowners or renters policy) with your auto policy. 

Now that you know the basics of each type of insurance, you can make an informed insurance decision.