Comprehensive vs. Collision Coverage: What Auto Owners Need to Know

When it comes to protecting your vehicle, comprehensive and collision coverage are two essential components of a well-rounded auto insurance policy. While both cover physical damage to your vehicle, they apply to very different situations — and understanding the difference can help you choose the right coverage, avoid out-of-pocket expenses, and make informed decisions about your insurance.

Here’s what every auto owner needs to know about comprehensive vs. collision coverage.

What Is Comprehensive Coverage?

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from damage not caused by a collision. Think of it as “everything other than a crash.”

Common events covered by comprehensive insurance:

• Theft or attempted theft

• Vandalism

• Fire or explosions

• Falling objects (like tree branches or debris)

• Natural disasters (hail, flooding, tornadoes, etc.)

• Animal collisions (e.g., hitting a deer)

• Glass damage (windshield cracks)

When it’s useful:

If your vehicle is parked and gets damaged by something other than another car — like a storm or someone breaking into it — comprehensive coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement.

What Is Collision Coverage?

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle when it’s involved in an accident — regardless of who is at fault.

Common situations covered by collision insurance:

• Hitting another vehicle

• Another vehicle hitting you

• Hitting an object (e.g., pole, guardrail, tree)

• Your car flipping or rolling over

• Damage from potholes

When it’s useful:

Collision is essential if you’re involved in a crash — whether with another car or a stationary object. It helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible.

Key Differences at a Glance

Do You Need Both Comprehensive and Collision?

If you finance or lease your car, your lender will likely require both coverages.

If you own your vehicle outright, it’s up to you — but here are a few guidelines:

You might want both if:

• Your vehicle is newer or has high value

• You drive often or in high-traffic areas

• You live in a region prone to extreme weather or wildlife

• You can’t afford major repairs out of pocket

You might skip one or both if:

• Your car is older and worth less than $2,000–$3,000

• You could afford to replace your car in a total-loss scenario

• The premiums plus deductibles cost more than the car is worth

Tip: Check your vehicle’s current market value (via Kelley Blue Book or NADA Guides) to see if maintaining both coverages makes financial sense.

How Much Do They Cost?

Premiums for comprehensive and collision coverage vary based on:

• Vehicle make/model/year

• Your driving history

• Location (some areas have higher theft or accident rates)

• Your chosen deductible amount

• Insurance provider

On average:

• Comprehensive coverage tends to be less expensive than collision.

• Collision coverage usually costs more due to the higher frequency of claims.

Example:
A comprehensive policy might cost $150/year, while collision could be $300–$500/year, depending on the vehicle and driving risk.

How Deductibles Work

Both coverages come with deductibles — the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest.

You typically choose a deductible amount when setting up your policy (common choices: $250, $500, or $1,000).

Higher deductible = Lower premium

But you’ll pay more if you file a claim.

Lower deductible = Higher premium

But you’ll pay less out of pocket when you file a claim.

Comprehensive and collision insurance are optional coverages, but they offer vital protection for your vehicle in situations that liability insurance doesn’t cover. If your car is relatively new, financed, or simply valuable to you, both coverages can offer peace of mind and financial protection.

Before deciding what to include in your policy, consider your car’s value, your financial ability to handle repairs, and the risks in your area.