Comprehensive vs Collision Coverage

Quick Comparison: Comprehensive vs Collision

Here's the simplest way to remember the difference:

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident with another vehicle or object — regardless of who's at fault.

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from almost everything except collisions: theft, vandalism, fire, weather, falling objects, and animal strikes.

What Collision Coverage Covers

Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after:

• Accidents with other vehicles: Whether you rear-end someone, get sideswiped, or collide head-on
• Single-vehicle accidents: Running off the road, losing control, spinning out
• Hitting stationary objects: Light poles, guardrails, trees, buildings, mailboxes
• Rollovers: If your vehicle flips over
• Potholes: Major damage from road hazards (though some insurers classify this as comprehensive)

Collision coverage applies regardless of who's at fault. If you cause the accident, your collision coverage pays for your vehicle repairs (minus your deductible). If the other driver is at fault, you can file through your collision coverage for faster payment, and your insurer will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver's liability insurance through a process called subrogation.

What Comprehensive Coverage Covers

Comprehensive coverage is sometimes called 'other than collision' because it covers almost everything that isn't a collision:

• Theft: Your entire vehicle or parts (catalytic converters, wheels, stereos)
• Vandalism: Keying, broken windows, slashed tires, graffiti
• Weather damage: Hail, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning
• Fire: Vehicle fires from any cause
• Falling objects: Tree branches, rocks, debris, airplane parts
• Animal strikes: Hitting a deer, elk, moose, or other animal
• Civil unrest: Damage during riots or protests
• Glass damage: Cracked or shattered windshields (often with a lower or $0 deductible)

Comprehensive is often cheaper than collision because these incidents are less common and less expensive on average.

What Comprehensive and Collision Don't Cover

Neither coverage includes:

• Damage to other vehicles or property: That's covered by liability insurance
• Your own medical bills: That's covered by PIP, MedPay, or health insurance
• Normal wear and tear: Brake pads, tires, and routine maintenance aren't covered
• Mechanical breakdowns: Engine or transmission failure not caused by an accident
• Custom equipment and modifications: Aftermarket stereos, lift kits, custom paint (unless you purchase additional coverage)
• Personal belongings inside the vehicle: Laptops, phones, and other items are covered by homeowners or renters insurance, not auto

How Deductibles Work

Both comprehensive and collision coverage have deductibles — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. Common deductibles are $500 or $1,000, though options range from $100 to $2,500.

Here's how it works:

You have a $1,000 deductible and $3,500 in damage from an accident. You pay the first $1,000, and your insurer pays the remaining $2,500.

You have a $500 deductible and $400 in damage from vandalism. Insurance won't pay because the damage is less than your deductible. You cover the full $400.

Choosing the right deductible:

• Higher deductible = lower premium: Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your comprehensive and collision premiums by 20–30%
• Lower deductible = higher premium: You'll pay more each month but less out of pocket if you file a claim
• Choose what you can afford: Don't pick a $2,000 deductible if you don't have $2,000 in savings

Do You Need Both Comprehensive and Collision?

You're required to carry both if:

• You have a car loan — your lender will require comprehensive and collision until the loan is paid off
• You lease a vehicle — the leasing company mandates both coverages

You probably want both if:

• Your vehicle is worth more than $3,000–$4,000
• You couldn't afford to replace your vehicle out of pocket
• You live in an area with high rates of theft, vandalism, or weather damage
• You drive a newer or high-value vehicle

You might skip one or both if:

• Your vehicle is old and has low market value
• Your annual premium + deductible exceeds the car's value
• You have enough savings to replace the vehicle if needed
• You own the car outright (no loan or lease)

When to Drop Comprehensive and Collision

Once your car is paid off, you're free to drop comprehensive and collision coverage. Many drivers keep both until the vehicle's value falls below a certain threshold.

Consider dropping coverage when:

• Your car's value is low: Generally $3,000–$4,000 or less
• Premium + deductible ≥ vehicle value: If you're paying $600/year with a $1,000 deductible ($1,600 total) for a car worth $2,000, it's not worth it
• You have sufficient emergency savings: You can afford to replace the vehicle out of pocket
• The vehicle is rarely driven: Low mileage reduces accident risk

You can also drop collision but keep comprehensive if your main concern is theft or weather damage rather than accidents.

Check your car's actual cash value using Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA Guides before making a decision.

How Much Do Comprehensive and Collision Cost?

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the average annual cost for comprehensive and collision coverage combined is approximately $1,428 (2024 data). This breaks down to:

Collision: ~$866/year average
Comprehensive: ~$562/year average

Costs vary significantly based on:

• Vehicle value: More expensive vehicles cost more to insure
• Deductible: Higher deductibles lower your premium
• Location: Urban areas and states with high theft, weather damage, or accident rates cost more
• Driving record: At-fault accidents increase collision premiums
• Age and experience: Young drivers pay significantly more
• Credit score: Poor credit raises rates in most states

What Is 'Full Coverage' Car Insurance?

'Full coverage' is an informal term that typically means a policy with:

• Liability insurance (bodily injury + property damage)
• Collision coverage
• Comprehensive coverage

Many policies also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage.

Despite the name, 'full coverage' doesn't cover everything. It won't pay for mechanical breakdowns, normal wear and tear, or intentional damage. Gap insurance, rental reimbursement, and roadside assistance are also separate add-ons.

The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in 2026 is approximately $2,158 per year, though rates vary widely by state and individual factors.

Tips for Shopping for Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

1. Compare quotes from multiple carriers. Prices for identical comprehensive and collision coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars between insurers.

2. Experiment with different deductibles. Get quotes for $500, $1,000, and $2,000 deductibles to see how much you can save. Choose the highest deductible you can comfortably afford.

3. Ask about glass coverage options. Some insurers offer $0 deductible glass coverage for a small additional premium.

4. Bundle policies for discounts. Combining auto and home (or renters) insurance with the same carrier often saves 10–25%.

5. Re-evaluate annually. As your vehicle depreciates, comprehensive and collision may no longer be cost-effective. Check your car's value each year and adjust coverage accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions