What is the difference between full coverage and comprehensive coverage?

The difference between full coverage and comprehensive insurance is that a full coverage insurance policy includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused to a car by causes other than traffic accidents that occurred 5 days ago. Collision insurance covers expenses if your vehicle is damaged in a car accident. It is usually accompanied by comprehensive coverage.

They are similar in that they pay for the repair of your vehicle and both have a deductible if you file a claim. Exclusive liability insurance covers injuries and damages suffered by others for whom you are responsible. In comparison, full coverage policies cover both your liability and damage to the property of your own vehicle. We recommend full coverage if you can't comfortably afford the cost of replacing your car if it's destroyed or stolen.

This is because the value of a car decreases faster over time than the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage. Comprehensive car insurance pays for the theft of a car if your vehicle isn't recovered, even if you left your keys in the car. Full coverage isn't a statutory requirement at the state level, but it's often required by your lender if you lease or finance your new car. For example, personal injury protection (PIP) and MedPay are mandatory in certain states and would therefore be included in the total coverage in these locations.

Comprehensive coverage covers damage to your vehicle caused by falling objects, such as tree branches that crush your car or debris that hits your car due to strong winds. The cause of the damage to your vehicle determines whether comprehensive insurance or collision insurance will cover the expenses. Full-coverage car insurance includes the liability insurance required in your state, along with all-risk and collision coverage, which protects your own vehicle from harm. Because each state has different car insurance requirements, total coverage can also include several other types of coverage.

If you go out of your way to not find the animal and hit a tree, that would be covered by collision coverage, not comprehensive insurance. When combined with collision insurance, these two types of insurance cover most incidents that could damage your car, hence the designation “full coverage.” Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by a flood, either for repairs or for the full value of the vehicle. Some aspects, such as reimbursing the rental of a vehicle while yours is being repaired or replaced, are available separately and are generally not included in the full term coverage. When finding the right car insurance policy for you, it's important to understand the different types of coverage and how much you need, even if you want liability insurance or car insurance with full coverage.

However, it's worth paying for full coverage if your car is new or expensive, or if you're having trouble paying for a replacement if it's destroyed or stolen.

Gertraude Jackel
Gertraude Jackel

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