THE QUICK ANSWER
Collision is about impact. Comprehensive covers many non collision losses.
Collision coverage generally helps pay for covered damage to your vehicle after a crash with another vehicle or object, or a rollover. Comprehensive coverage generally addresses covered losses such as theft, vandalism, fire, hail, falling objects, animal contact and certain storm or flood damage. Policy terms, exclusions and deductibles control.
COLLISION COVERAGE
Think crashes, objects and rollovers.
- A crash with another vehicle
- Hitting a guardrail, pole or other object
- A single vehicle rollover
- Covered repairs are generally subject to the collision deductible
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE
Think theft, weather and other non collision events.
- Theft or vandalism
- Fire, hail or falling objects
- Contact with an animal
- Certain flood, windstorm or hurricane related vehicle damage
- Covered losses are generally subject to the comprehensive deductible unless the policy provides otherwise
DO YOU NEED BOTH?
The answer depends on the vehicle and how much risk you want to retain.
A lender or leasing company may require both while it has a financial interest in the vehicle. If the vehicle is paid off, the decision often comes down to its current value, the cost of coverage, the deductibles and how difficult it would be to repair or replace the car after a loss.
THE REST OF THE AUTO POLICY
Protecting your car is only one part of an auto policy.
Collision and comprehensive do not replace liability, personal injury protection or other coverages that may apply to injuries, other people or other property. A licensed producer can help review the whole policy instead of comparing only two line items.