How Much Is Collision Coverage and Is It Worth It?

Red and Yellow Hatchback Axa Crash Tests
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Collision coverage is a type of insurance that can be a lifesaver after a car accident. The cost of collision coverage varies depending on several factors, including your location, vehicle make and model, and deductible amount.

On average, collision coverage can add $200 to $400 to your annual insurance premium. This is a significant increase, but it's worth considering if you want to protect your vehicle's value.

If you have a newer or more expensive vehicle, you may want to consider higher limits for collision coverage. In fact, if you have a vehicle worth $20,000 or more, you may want to consider a higher deductible to save on premiums.

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What Is

Collision coverage helps pay for the cost of repairs to your vehicle if it's hit by another vehicle, regardless of who's at fault. This coverage also covers damage if you hit another vehicle or object.

The most collision coverage will pay is based on the actual cash value of your vehicle. You'll be responsible for paying your selected deductible.

You don't select a limit for collision coverage, unlike some other coverages. This means you can use it without worrying about a set limit.

Types of Collision Coverage

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In many states, liability auto insurance minimum limits are low, just $5,000 or $10,000.

If the at-fault driver's liability limits are too low, your collision insurance would kick in to pay for your car's damage, which can be costly, with the average cost of a new car being nearly $50,000.

Collision insurance pays for damage to your car in a crash, regardless of fault.

Liability car insurance, on the other hand, pays for damage to others in a crash, but only up to the policy's limits.

Do You Need Collision Coverage?

Collision coverage is a crucial aspect of car insurance, but do you really need it? If you lease or finance your vehicle, own a newer car, or have an older vehicle that's still worth a lot, you're likely better off with collision coverage. This type of coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement if your car is damaged in an accident.

However, if you own an older vehicle that's not worth much, you might end up paying more in premiums than your car is actually worth. In this case, choosing not to purchase collision coverage might be the more cost-effective option.

Here are the scenarios where collision coverage is a good idea:

  • Leasing or financing your vehicle
  • Own a newer vehicle
  • Own an older vehicle that has maintained its value

Remember, it's essential to reassess your collision coverage needs as your car ages or when you get new car insurance quotes.

Do You Need?

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If you own a newer vehicle, you may want to consider purchasing collision coverage. This is because collision coverage becomes less valuable over time, but it can still provide financial protection for a newer car.

Your car's value is a key factor in deciding whether collision coverage is worth it. If your car's value is greater than your car insurance premiums, then collision coverage is likely a good idea.

You may not need collision coverage if you own an older vehicle. This is because you might end up paying more in premiums than your car is actually worth.

There are some scenarios where collision coverage is a must-have. If you lease or finance your vehicle, or if you own a vehicle that has maintained its value over time, then collision coverage is a good idea.

Here are some scenarios where collision coverage is a must-have:

  • Lease or finance your vehicle
  • Own a newer vehicle
  • Own an older vehicle that has maintained its value

Why Is It Important?

In Michigan, collision coverage is crucial because it provides a vital source of funds for vehicle owners to pay for repair costs. Without it, owners are left with limited options.

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The No-Fault law in Michigan essentially eliminates the "at fault" driver's liability for damages to a motor vehicle. This means owners can't sue the responsible party for the full amount of repair costs.

Car owners need collision coverage to cover the costs of repairs, as it's often the only way to get the money they need.

What If I Don't Have It?

If you don't have collision insurance coverage, you'll be responsible for paying for all the repair costs associated with your accident-related motor vehicle damage.

Unless you have an alternative source of payment, such as the Michigan mini tort or the No-Fault Law's Property Protection Insurance benefits.

Michigan's mini tort Law can pay up to $1,000 (or up to $3,000 after July 1, 2020) of your vehicle damage.

How Collision Coverage Works

Collision coverage works in various scenarios, and it's essential to understand how it applies to your situation. If your car is damaged in a single-car accident, collision coverage will cover the damages to your vehicle, ensuring you're not left shouldering the repair expenses alone.

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In cases where you're at fault, collision coverage will still pay for repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible. This is true even if you rear-end the car in front of you while in stop-and-go traffic.

Not-at-fault accidents, such as when your parked vehicle is struck by another driver, can also be covered by collision insurance. You may choose to use your collision coverage for repairs in this situation, especially if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough liability coverage.

If you're involved in a hit-and-run accident, collision coverage can help cover the damages to your vehicle. This is because collision insurance will pay for repairs regardless of who is at fault.

In the event of a rollover accident, collision coverage will cover the damages sustained by your vehicle. This type of coverage is crucial in protecting your investment in your car.

Here are some scenarios where collision coverage applies:

  • Single-car accidents: Collision coverage will cover damages to your vehicle.
  • At-fault accidents: Collision coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle, minus your deductible.
  • Not-at-fault accidents: You may choose to use your collision coverage for repairs, especially if the at-fault driver doesn't have enough liability coverage.
  • Hit-and-run accidents: Collision coverage can help cover damages to your vehicle.
  • Rollovers or flipping: Collision coverage will cover damages sustained by your vehicle.

Michigan Collision Coverage

In Michigan, you have three main types of collision insurance coverage to choose from: standard, broad form, and limited collision insurance coverage.

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Standard collision insurance coverage is the most basic type, but it's still essential for protecting your vehicle in the event of an accident. It covers damage to your car, but only up to the actual cash value of your vehicle.

Broad form collision insurance coverage is a step up from standard coverage, offering more comprehensive protection for your vehicle. It covers damage to your car, regardless of who is at fault, and also covers damage to other vehicles and property.

Limited collision insurance coverage is the most restrictive type, but it's still worth considering if you're on a tight budget. It only covers damage to your vehicle if the other driver is at fault, and you must have other insurance coverage, such as liability insurance, to be eligible.

If you're involved in an accident and choose standard collision insurance coverage, you may be surprised to find that it only covers damage to your vehicle up to its actual cash value, which may not be enough to repair or replace your car.

Collision Coverage Costs and Deductibles

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Collision coverage costs can vary depending on the deductible amount you choose. A higher deductible typically translates to lower premiums, but it means you'll be responsible for paying more out-of-pocket to repair or replace your vehicle.

On average, drivers can purchase collision insurance for $290 per year, which works out to $24 per month. This cost can be a significant burden if you're involved in an accident and have a high deductible.

The deductible amount you choose will directly impact your out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. For example, if you have a $250 deductible and your vehicle is damaged in an accident, you'll pay the first $250 in damage, and then your insurance will pay the remaining amount.

Here's a breakdown of typical deductible ranges for collision coverage:

Keep in mind that the deductible amount you choose should be based on your current financial capabilities and the value of your vehicle. If you have an older vehicle, it might not be worth paying for a lower deductible with higher premiums.

Comprehensive vs.

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Comprehensive insurance pays for non-crash damage to your vehicle, such as fire, hail, or theft.

Collision coverage, on the other hand, only pays for damage caused by a collision with another vehicle or object.

The combination of collision and comprehensive insurance, combined with liability insurance, is typically referred to as full coverage car insurance.

Full coverage car insurance provides financial protection for a wider range of scenarios, including accidents, theft, and natural disasters.

Comprehensive insurance often comes with a separate deductible, which can range from $500 to $1,000 or more.

Collision and comprehensive insurance can be combined to provide more comprehensive protection for your vehicle.

Cost

Collision coverage costs can vary, but on average, drivers pay around $290 per year, which breaks down to about $24 per month. This cost can be a significant expense, especially for those on a tight budget.

You can expect to pay a higher premium if you choose a lower deductible. For example, if you have an older vehicle, you might opt for a lower deductible in exchange for a higher premium. However, this could end up costing you more in premiums than your vehicle is worth.

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The cost of collision coverage is also influenced by the deductible amount you select. Typically, deductibles range between $500 and $1,500, with $500 being the most common.

Here's a rough breakdown of the costs associated with different deductible amounts:

Keep in mind that these estimates are based on average costs and can vary depending on your location, vehicle, and other factors. It's essential to review your policy and adjust your deductible amount accordingly to ensure you're not paying more than necessary.

Broad Form

Broad Form collision insurance coverage is a type of coverage that pays for all of the costs relating to the repair of the vehicle damage resulting from an auto accident, regardless of fault. This means that if you're involved in an accident, Broad Form collision will cover the costs of repairs, even if you were partially at fault.

The deductible on a Broad Form collision coverage policy is waived if the operator or driver of the covered vehicle was not substantially at fault in causing the accident. This can be a significant cost savings, especially if you're involved in an accident and need to pay for repairs.

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In Michigan, Broad Form collision coverage is governed by the state's Insurance Code, which states that the deductible shall be waived if the operator of the vehicle is not substantially at fault in the accident from which the damage arose. This is a key benefit of Broad Form collision coverage, as it can help protect you from costly repairs.

Here are some key highlights of Broad Form collision insurance coverage:

  • Pays for all of the costs relating to the repair of the vehicle damage resulting from an auto accident, regardless of fault.
  • Deductible is waived if the operator or driver of the covered vehicle was not substantially at fault in causing the accident.
  • Deductible must be paid if the covered-vehicle's operator or driver was more than 50% at fault in causing the accident.

Overall, Broad Form collision insurance coverage can provide significant protection and peace of mind, especially if you're involved in an accident and need to pay for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is collision coverage calculated?

Collision coverage is calculated by subtracting your deductible from the value of your vehicle. This gives you an estimate of the coverage's benefit in the event of an accident.

Nellie Hodkiewicz-Gorczany

Senior Assigning Editor

Nellie Hodkiewicz-Gorczany is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling. With a strong background in research and content curation, Nellie has developed a unique ability to identify and assign compelling articles that capture the attention of readers. Throughout her career, Nellie has covered a wide range of topics, including the latest trends and developments in the financial services industry.

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