Two types of physical damage coverage are available on car insurance policies. Both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage play an important role is keeping your vehicle in tip top shape. Minor dents and dings all the way up to full blown car crunching can be repaired or the insurance company can at least pay out enough money to make you whole again. Compare the two types of coverage to help determine what you need on your vehicle.
Vehicles are vulnerable to all types of losses. Think of comprehensive coverage as an all encompassing coverage which protects your vehicle against physical damage caused by anything other than a collision.
Comprehensive Key Points
- Can be used in combination with any other coverage or even as a standalone coverage.
- Repairs glass damage including windshield chips or cracks.
- Covers contact with an animal, most commonly deer.
- Provides protection against storm damage including wind, hail, and flood.
- Repairs damage from vandals keying your car, breaking into your car, or even theft.
- Often a reasonably priced coverage with a low deductible.
Collision coverage is probably the most important coverage to protect your vehicle against physical damage. It is not difficult to accidently hit something when driving a vehicle. Somebody is always at fault and it is not impossible that someone could be you. Some of the most significant damage to your vehicle can come from a collision with another vehicle, tree, pole, or guard rail.
Collision Key Points
- Collision can only be purchased when combined with liability and comprehensive coverage.
- Repairs damage when two vehicles in drive or reverse collide with each other.
- Covers damage to your vehicle when you hit ice and slide into an inanimate object.
- Pothole damage falls under collision coverage.
- Collision coverage can get expensive so to lower costs most people choose a $500 deductible or higher.
The Best Coverage
The best coverage to have is the coverage that repairs your vehicle when you have a claim. The only way to be certain you are fully protected is to purchase both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Each coverage has its own job to do.
Comprehensive claims are a little more common because more people carry comprehensive coverage on their vehicles. It is the cheaper of the two types of physical damage coverage. Plus, both animal and weather related damages are so prevalent when it comes to vehicles.
Collision coverage is there for you when you make a mistake. It is very frustrating to cause damage to your own vehicle, but being covered on your insurance policy is sure to make you feel a little better.
When selecting coverage for your vehicle, the biggest thing to consider is the cost of the coverage verse the value of your vehicle. Once you determine you have the ability to cover the damages out of your own pocket, it is time to reduce coverage.
