Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage Guide | A Plus Insurance

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Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage Guide

Plain-English answers with real examples so you can decide: keep both, adjust deductibles, or trim cost—without getting caught by lender rules or surprise exclusions.

Key Concepts People Mix Up

  • “Full coverage” isn’t a product. It just means Liability + Collision + Comprehensive. If that’s your goal, start a quote.
  • Comprehensive covers non-collision events. Think hail, theft, vandalism, deer. Many carriers (e.g., Dairyland) offer glass-friendly options.
  • Collision covers crash damage to your car. Single-car impacts and potholes count. Some carriers (Mendota) offer OEM parts endorsements.
  • Lenders often require both coverages. Expect deductible caps if you lease/finance. Not sure? We’ll check your lender’s rules.

Comprehensive vs. Collision vs. Liability (with Real Examples)

Coverage elements at a glance
Feature Comprehensive Collision Liability Real-world example
What it covers Non-collision perils: weather, theft, vandalism, animals, fire, falling objects Impact with a vehicle/object, including single-car incidents Injuries/property damage you cause to others Hail dents roof/hood → comp; rear-end at stoplight → collision; you scuff a neighbor’s fence → liability
Pays for your car? Yes (minus comp deductible) Yes (minus collision deductible) No Deer strike smashes grille → comp pays after deductible; curb impact cracks wheel → collision
Pays others? No No Yes You’re at fault in a fender-bender → liability pays the other driver’s repairs (up to your limits)
Typical deductible $250–$1,500 (glass options can differ) $500–$2,000 None (it’s a limit, not a deductible) $500 comp deductible for hail; $1,000 collision for a parking-lot crash
Required by law? No No Usually yes (varies by state) Missouri requires liability; compare MO rates: car-insurance quotes in MO
Lender/lease requirements Often required Often required Separate from loan/lease rules Lease may cap deductibles (e.g., max $1,000); we’ll confirm during your quote

Want exact numbers for your vehicle and deductible? Start your quote or call (888) 445-2793.

FAQs

What exactly does comprehensive insurance cover?

Short version: non-collision events—hail, wind, flood, theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, and animal strikes (deer counts as comp, not collision).

Good-to-know nuances: glass can be separate (some carriers offer $0 windshield), flood is comp (not covered by collision), and claims pay up to your car’s actual cash value (ACV) after the deductible.

Park outside or live in a storm belt? Protect against weather & theft—get a tailored quote. Read carrier details like Dairyland.

What does collision insurance cover?

Short version: damage to your vehicle from an impact with a vehicle/object—including single-car crashes (pole, curb, pothole).

Good-to-know nuances: collision has its own deductible; payouts are capped at ACV; an OEM parts endorsement (available with some carriers) can limit aftermarket parts in repairs.

Unsure if the premium is worth it for your vehicle value? See side-by-side pricing or check carriers like Mendota.

Is “full coverage” an actual policy?

No—it’s a nickname for Liability + Collision + Comprehensive. It doesn’t automatically include rental reimbursement, roadside, GAP/loan-lease, rideshare, or custom parts coverage.

Lender tip: financed/leased cars typically require comp & collision and can cap deductibles (e.g., ≤$1,000). We’ll check your lender’s rules during your quote. California shoppers can also review Progressive Drive Insurance California.

How should I choose my deductibles?

Cash-comfort rule: pick the highest deductible you could pay today without stress. If you rarely claim, raising deductibles can trim premium.

Claims behavior matters: if you’d repair small dings via insurance, keep deductibles lower; if you’d self-pay small stuff, raise them.

Glass exception: windshield options can be $0 or a lower fixed amount, independent of your main comp deductible.

We’ll model the trade-offs for your car and location—run a quick quote. Missouri drivers can compare local pricing here: MO auto quotes.

When does it make sense to drop collision?

Math check: if yearly collision premium is a big slice of your car’s ACV, the payout upside may be limited.

Do not drop if: your vehicle is leased/financed (lienholders usually require both) or you’d struggle to self-fund a major repair.

Keep comp even if you drop collision: it protects against hail/theft/fire—common risks for older vehicles.

Unsure? We’ll do the ACV-vs-premium comparison with you: start your quote or call (888) 445-2793.

What really drives the cost of “full coverage”?

Inputs: driving record, age, miles, prior lapses; vehicle repair costs & safety tech; local claim patterns (hail/theft/flood); and your chosen limits/deductibles.

Ways to save: safe-driver and telematics discounts, bundling home + auto, and adjusting deductibles strategically.

We shop multiple carriers for fit + price—compare quotes or learn about Dairyland options.

Which carriers should I compare?

Look for differences in glass endorsements, OEM parts, rental reimbursement, and how each carrier prices hail/theft risk.

We commonly compare: Dairyland, Mendota, and for California, Progressive Drive Insurance.

Want our best-fit pick for your profile? Start your quote.

How to Decide in 3 Steps

1) Check lender & ACV If you lease/finance, you likely must carry both coverages with deductible caps. If paid-off, compare annual premium vs. your car’s ACV.
2) Pick deductibles Choose the highest you could comfortably pay today. Consider separate glass options for frequent windshield claims.
3) Add only what you need Rental reimbursement, roadside, OEM parts, or GAP/loan-lease can be worth it depending on commute, repair costs, and loan balance.

Want the math done for you? Start a fast quote or call (888) 445-2793.

Comprehensive Vs Collision Auto Insurance Diagram Showing Non-Collision Vs Crash Examples And Deductible Concepts
Need help choosing? Get a personalized quote in minutes.

Why A Plus Insurance

Licensed brokers in 35 states. We shop multiple carriers to fit your budget and coverage goals.

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We’ll price comprehensive and collision across carriers, show the deductible trade-offs, and confirm lender requirements for you.


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Last Updated on by Jayleen Ridgeway

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