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Full coverage car insurance is designed to protect you from financial losses in the event of an accident, theft, or other damages to your vehicle. It's a comprehensive policy that covers a wide range of risks, including liability for injuries or damages to others.
Liability coverage is a key component of full coverage car insurance, which pays for damages or injuries you cause to others in an accident. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. In most states, it's required by law to have a minimum amount of liability coverage.
If you're involved in an accident, comprehensive coverage will help pay for repairs to your vehicle, regardless of who's at fault. This can include damages from hail, floods, or other natural disasters. According to our research, comprehensive coverage can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 per year.
In addition to liability and comprehensive coverage, full coverage car insurance typically includes collision coverage, which pays for damages to your vehicle if you're involved in an accident with another vehicle or object. This can include repairs to your vehicle's frame, body, and other components.
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What Full Coverage Car Insurance Covers
Full coverage car insurance is designed to protect you financially in the event of an accident or other damage to your vehicle. It typically includes property damage liability, bodily injury liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
This type of insurance pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle, object, or if it rolls over while driving. Comprehensive coverage also pays for damage from events beyond your control, such as a tree branch falling on your vehicle, theft, or vandalism.
In addition to these coverages, full-coverage car insurance often includes extras like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and uninsured motorist coverage. These extras can provide valuable protection and convenience in the event of an accident or other unexpected event.
Here are the key components of full-coverage car insurance:
Collision
Collision coverage is a type of insurance that pays for damage to your car in the event of a collision. It can help you repair or replace your vehicle if you cause an accident, or if you're involved in a hit-and-run or are hit by someone who doesn't have insurance.
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If you choose to purchase collision coverage, you'll need to pay a deductible, which can range from $50 to $2,000. This means you'll pay less each month for insurance, but you'll pay more when you file a claim after an accident.
Collision coverage typically doesn't cover mechanical breakdown or normal wear and tear, so you'll need to consider other types of insurance for those issues. This type of policy also covers damage caused by potholes, which can be a surprise expense if you're not prepared.
Here are some key facts about collision coverage:
- Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your car after a collision with another vehicle or object, or if it rolls over.
- It also covers damage caused by potholes.
- Collision coverage doesn't cover mechanical breakdown or normal wear and tear.
- You'll need to pay a deductible when you file a claim.
- Collision coverage is typically optional, but may be required if you lease or finance your car.
Comprehensive
Comprehensive coverage is a type of insurance that pays for damage to your car from events beyond your control, such as hailstorms, hurricanes, or a tree branch falling on your vehicle.
This coverage is often bundled with collision coverage and is a key part of full-coverage insurance. Comprehensive policies also cover damage caused by man-made incidents like arson, theft, and vandalism.
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Comprehensive coverage pays for the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus depreciation, unless you have added a new car replacement endorsement to your auto policy.
It's essential to note that comprehensive coverage is optional, but it may be required if you lease or finance your car. Car dealerships, banks, and other lenders often require you to carry these types of coverages.
Theft is also covered under comprehensive insurance, but you must ensure the car was actually stolen and not towed or borrowed without your permission.
Liability: Included
Liability insurance is a crucial part of full-coverage car insurance. It covers damage you cause to another driver or their car, and is usually the only part of car insurance that you're required by law to carry.
There are two main types of liability insurance: Bodily Injury (BI) and Property Damage (PD). BI covers injuries you cause to other people, while PD covers damage to other cars or structures.
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Neither coverage pays for damage to your vehicle – that's what collision and comprehensive coverage are for. Liability coverage only pays for damage you cause others.
For example, if you were injured after someone crashed into you, you would file a claim with their bodily injury insurance coverage. Their policy would pay for your health costs, not your policy.
State minimums for liability coverage usually range from $10,000 to $50,000 worth of coverage. In Pennsylvania, the minimum required coverage is 15/30/5, which means $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person and $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, plus $5,000 in property damage liability per accident.
Doubling your coverage limits for bodily injury will probably cost less than an extra $100 per year, and property damage insurance is slightly more expensive but still costs less to boost coverage.
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Medical Payments (MedPay)
Medical Payments (MedPay) is a type of coverage that pays for your immediate hospital and treatment expenses after an accident.
It can serve as your primary medical insurance, covering your medical bills before your health insurance kicks in. This way, you can get the medical attention you need right away without worrying about the costs.
MedPay can also be used as supplemental coverage for your health insurance, reimbursing your deductibles and co-pays.
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Policy Details
Full-coverage policies can be customized with add-ons like roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement.
Some companies require full coverage to offer certain add-ons.
A full-coverage policy will cover damage you cause to other cars and other people's injuries, as well as repairs to your car if it's damaged in an accident or by weather, theft, or other events.
Liability
Liability coverage is a crucial part of car insurance, and it's separated into two categories: property damage liability and bodily injury liability.
Property damage liability covers damages you're legally obligated to pay, including repairing the other party's vehicle and other property damage to objects like buildings, fences, and signal lights.
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Bodily injury liability, on the other hand, helps pay for damages if you cause an accident and someone else is injured, including medical expenses, lost wages, legal fees, and pain and suffering.
A full-coverage policy will cover damage you cause to other cars and other people's injuries, which is a key aspect of liability coverage.
Here's a breakdown of the two liability categories:
Liability coverage is essential to protect you from financial losses in case of an accident, so it's essential to choose the right coverage for your needs.
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Personal Injury Protection
Personal injury protection insurance helps pay for your medical costs following a car collision.
It may also cover additional expenses such as lost income or household services you can’t perform due to your injury, such as child or senior care.
This coverage pays for your medical treatment, regardless of who caused the accident, so you can focus on recovering without worrying about the financial burden.
Personal injury protection insurance can also provide a death benefit, which can be used to cover funeral and burial costs if the worst happens.
It's a vital aspect of full-coverage car insurance policies, ensuring you're protected in the event of an accident.
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Cost and Coverage
Having full coverage car insurance can be a smart financial move, especially if you own a new or leased vehicle. This type of insurance can help protect your investment in case of an accident or other damage.
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, have a high crime rate, or frequently park your car on the street, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind. This can be a lifesaver if your car is damaged or stolen.
Here are some situations where full coverage car insurance makes sense:
- New or leased vehicles
- High-value vehicles
- Risky driving conditions
Comprehensive and Collision
Comprehensive and Collision are two types of insurance that can be added to your car insurance policy. They're optional, but they can be a lifesaver if you're involved in an accident or your car is damaged by something outside of your control.
These types of insurance cover damage to your car, whether it's caused by a collision or something else. Collision insurance pays for repairs if you cause an accident, while comprehensive insurance covers damage from events like weather, theft, or vandalism.
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Comprehensive and collision insurance are not required by any state, but they may be necessary if you lease or finance your car. This is because leasing or financing companies often require you to have these types of insurance to protect their investment.
If you cause an accident, Collision coverage can help you with the costs of repairing your vehicle. It can also help if you're involved in a hit-and-run or if you're hit by someone who doesn't have insurance.
Here's a quick rundown of what Comprehensive and Collision insurance typically cover:
Keep in mind that Comprehensive and Collision insurance can be expensive, but they can also save you from unexpected repair bills. If you're considering adding these types of insurance to your policy, be sure to weigh the costs against the potential benefits.
What's the Cost?
The total cost of full-coverage car insurance can be quite steep. A full-coverage policy is typically double or triple the cost of a minimum-coverage policy, which can be a significant expense.
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In Texas, for example, a liability policy that covers bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage costs about $62 per month. This is a good starting point for understanding the baseline cost of car insurance.
Full coverage, which includes collision, comprehensive, and PIP, costs an extra $91 per month, bringing the total cost to $153 per month. This highlights the importance of considering your budget when choosing a car insurance policy.
The U.S. average for full-coverage car insurance is $148 per month. This is a significant expense, but it's essential to have adequate coverage to protect yourself and your vehicle.
State Farm offers some of the best full coverage car insurance, with an average cost of $99 per month. However, it's essential to shop around and compare rates to find the best policy for your needs.
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Do I Need?
If you're wondering whether you need full coverage car insurance, there are some key situations where it can be a lifesaver.
New or leased vehicles are a big investment, and full coverage can help protect that investment in case of an accident or theft.
High-value vehicles are another story altogether. If you own a luxury or high-value vehicle, the cost of repairs or replacement can be substantial, making full coverage a wise choice.
If you live in an area prone to severe weather, have a high crime rate, or frequently park your car on the street, comprehensive coverage can provide peace of mind.
Types of Insurance
Full coverage car insurance is a comprehensive policy that protects you financially in various situations.
Auto liability coverage is a fundamental part of full coverage car insurance, paying for damage and injury to others after an accident.
Bodily injury coverage protects you if you're held responsible for injuring someone in a car accident. This type of coverage is crucial, as medical expenses can add up quickly.
Property damage coverage helps reimburse another person for their damaged property if you're held responsible for the damage in a car accident. This can include repairing or replacing a car, fence, or building.
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Uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage is also included in full coverage car insurance, helping to pay medical costs and other expenses when you're involved in an accident with a driver who doesn't have enough or any insurance.
Comprehensive coverage protects your car from damage not related to a collision with another vehicle, such as fire, theft, vandalism, or a fallen tree.
Claim and Accident Scenarios
Full coverage car insurance can be complex, but understanding the different scenarios that trigger a claim can help you navigate the process.
In the event of an accident, it's essential to know which coverages apply. Different parts of your auto insurance policy cover different situations.
If you're involved in a collision, your collision coverage will likely be triggered, which covers damages to your vehicle. This coverage is designed to help you repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident.
You should review your policy and consult with a licensed insurance professional to learn more about your coverage and any specific restrictions or limitations that may apply.
Accidents
Accidents can be stressful and overwhelming, but knowing what to expect can help. If you get into an accident with another vehicle, your medical benefits coverage will help pay your injuries and medical expenses.
Your liability coverages will help protect you if you're responsible for injuries to others or damages to other's vehicles. In some cases, the other driver may not have insurance, which is where uninsured motorist coverage comes in.
Uninsured motorist coverage can pay for repairs to your car or medical expenses if the other driver doesn't have insurance. There are two types of uninsured motorist coverage: bodily injury and property damage.
If the other driver does have insurance but not enough to cover the full cost of damages or medical expenses, underinsured motorist coverage can help pay the rest. This can be a lifesaver if you're facing expensive medical bills or car repairs.
Here are some key things to know about uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage:
Remember, the chance of getting in an accident with an uninsured driver is small, but it's always better to be prepared.
Claim Filing Scenarios
Your auto insurance policy covers different situations, and it's crucial to understand which coverages apply in which situations.
Different parts of your policy cover different scenarios, such as damage to your vehicle or injuries to others.
In some cases, you may need to file a claim for accidents involving your vehicle, and the information on your policy will guide you through the process.
The language of your policy, as issued by your insurer, determines the actual coverage, and certain restrictions and limitations may apply.
Reviewing your policy and consulting with a licensed insurance professional can provide you with a better understanding of your coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does full coverage cover me if I'm at fault?
Full coverage helps protect you, but it doesn't cover your deductible if you're at fault in an accident. You'll still need to pay your deductible, even with full coverage.
At what point is full coverage not worth it?
Consider dropping full coverage if your car is worth less than the deductible or you plan to replace it soon, as the costs may outweigh the benefits. This could save you money on premiums, but it's essential to weigh the risks and costs carefully.
Sources
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/what-full-coverage-car-insurance
- https://www.joinroot.com/coverage/full-coverage/
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/guides/what-does-full-coverage-car-insurance-cover-459481.aspx
- https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/resources/basics-101/what-is-full-coverage-car-insurance.html
- https://www.plymouthrock.com/resources/what-does-car-insurance-cover
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