Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage: What Is the Difference?
Comprehensive and collision are two optional parts of a car insurance policy that help pay to repair or replace your own vehicle. They are often confused. This guide explains the difference in plain words. Exact terms vary by insurer and state, so check your own policy.
Collision coverage
Collision generally helps pay to repair or replace your car if it is damaged in a crash with another vehicle or object, such as a pole or a guardrail, or if it rolls over. It usually applies no matter who was at fault, subject to your deductible and the policy terms.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive generally helps pay for damage to your car from events other than a collision. Examples often include theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, hail and other weather, and hitting an animal. Policies differ, so read the list in yours.
Side by side
- Collision: damage from a crash or rollover
- Comprehensive: damage from many non-crash events
- Both: usually apply to your own vehicle, not to other people's injuries or property
- Both: usually have a deductible you pay first
- Both: typically pay up to the car's value at the time of loss, not more
Are they required?
State law sets required liability coverage. Comprehensive and collision are usually optional by law, but a lender or leasing company often requires them while you owe money on the car. Together with liability coverage they are what many people mean by "full coverage", although that is not an official term.
When drivers review them
- The car is older and its value has dropped
- You have paid off the car and no lender requires the coverage
- You want to compare different deductible amounts
- You drive much less than before
- You park somewhere with a different risk of theft or weather damage
Questions to ask your insurer or agent
- What exactly does comprehensive cover on my policy?
- What are my deductibles for each, and can I change them?
- How does the insurer decide my car's value if it is totaled?
- Does my policy include glass or rental car coverage?
- How would dropping either coverage change my risk?
Next step
A licensed agent can walk through your current coverage and explain what each part does. HavenLine is a referral service, not an insurance company.
Questions
Does collision cover other people's cars?
No. Liability coverage handles damage you cause to others. Collision is for your own vehicle.
Does comprehensive cover a crash?
Generally no. A crash is usually a collision claim.
Can I have one without the other?
Often yes, but a lender may require both. Ask your insurer.
General information only, not financial, legal or insurance advice. Rules, prices and benefits vary by state and by policy. A licensed professional can explain what applies to you.