What Is the Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Coverage?
Comprehensive coverage pays for physical damage to your auto caused by things such as fire, theft, hail, vandalism, and animals. These events are called “perils” in your policy. Some examples of a comprehensive loss include: • your auto is struck by debris that falls from an overpass • your auto is damaged by a tree falling on it • your auto is partly or totally submerged in water • your auto is maliciously scratched • your auto’s tires are slashed • your auto’s windshield is cracked by a stone Collision coverage pays for physical damage if your auto is hit by another vehicle or runs into an object. This coverage will pay for damage to your auto regardless of who causes the accident.
Among commonly used auto insurance terms are the different types of coverage each policyholder is offered for purchase from the insurer. Many drivers are confused when it comes to the fine details of what is and what is not covered under these coverage options. Collision and comprehensive coverage options are not required by state law, unlike bodily injury and property damage liability and sometimes personal injury protection and uninsured motorist. We can provide a general overview of what collision and comprehensive coverages are and how they provide protection to the policyholder. A quick phone call to your auto insurance company will iron out the specifics as to the exact coverage your insurer provides. You will notice that every driver is required to carry some type of financial responsibility while operating a vehicle on public roads. This financial responsibility can be carried in a number of different forms, but the most popular form of carrying financial responsibility is by p
Collision Coverage pays for damage to your vehicle as a result of its impact with an object or its upset. Comprehensive Coverage applies to damage to your vehicle caused by vandalism, theft, glass breakage, missiles or falling objects, fire, explosion or earthquake, windstorm, hail, water or flood, riot or civil commotion or contact with bird or animal. Comprehensive Coverage varies by state; please check your policy and consult your Agent.
