Difference Between Comprehensive vs Collision

Definition of Comprehensive

Comprehensive means “inclusive, covering all aspects or elements; thorough.” It can also refer to something that is complete and includes all necessary components or information. Insurance refers to coverage that includes protection against a wide range of risks, rather than just a specific one.

Definition of Collision

Collision refers to a crash or impact between two or more objects, such as cars or ships. It can also refer to the event or incident in which this crash or impact occurs. In insurance, collision coverage typically refers to coverage that will pay for damages to your own vehicle if you are involved in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault.

Comprehensive vs Collision – Differences

Comprehensive and collision are both types of auto insurance coverage, but they provide different types of protection.

Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision” coverage, protects your vehicle from damage caused by events other than a collision. This can include things like theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and hitting an animal. It also covers the damages caused by falling objects, like tree branches and rocks.

Collision coverage, on the other hand, specifically covers damages to your vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or a fence. It does not cover non-collision events like theft, natural disasters or other non-collision events.

comprehensive insurance coverage provides protection for a broader range of risks and perils, while collision coverage is more specific and limited to damages caused by a collision.

Comparison Chart

Here is a comparison chart that illustrates the main differences between comprehensive and collision insurance coverage:

	Comprehensive Coverage	Collision Coverage
Type of Coverage	“Other than Collision”	Collision
Protection Against	Various perils	Collision
Examples of Covered Events	Theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, hitting an animal	Collision with another vehicle or object
Coverage for damages to your own vehicle	Yes	Yes
Coverage for damages to other vehicles or property	No	No
Coverage for injuries to yourself or others	No	No

It’s worth noting that while comprehensive and collision coverage protects your own vehicle, you would also need liability insurance which covers damages to other people’s property and injuries you may cause.

Similarities Between Comprehensive vs Collision

Comprehensive and collision insurance coverage have some similarities, even though they cover different types of risks and perils. Here are a few similarities between the two types of coverage:

1. Both types of coverage apply to your own vehicle: Comprehensive and collision coverage both provide protection for your own vehicle in the event of a covered loss.
2. Both types of coverage have deductibles: Both comprehensive and collision coverage have deductibles, which are the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.
3. Both types of coverage can be purchased separately or together: Comprehensive and collision coverage can be purchased separately, or together as part of a full coverage auto insurance policy.
4. Both types of coverage are optional: Comprehensive and collision coverage are not legally required in most states, but they may be required by your lender if you have a car loan.
5. Both types of coverage have terms and conditions that need to be met, such as the level of coverage, the age of the vehicle, the driving history and the claims history of the driver.

both comprehensive and collision coverage provide protection for your own vehicle and have deductibles, but they cover different types of risks and perils.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sure, here are some frequently asked questions about comprehensive and collision insurance coverage:

1. Is comprehensive insurance required by law?
   No, comprehensive insurance is not required by law in most states. However, it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan.
2. Is collision insurance required by law?
   No, collision insurance is not required by law in most states. However, it may be required by your lender if you have a car loan.
3. What is the difference between comprehensive and full coverage?
   Full coverage typically refers to a combination of liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance. Comprehensive insurance covers damages to your own vehicle from a range of non-collision events, while collision insurance covers damages to your own vehicle from a collision with another vehicle or object.
4. Will comprehensive insurance cover damages cause by a collision?
   No, comprehensive insurance will not cover damages caused by a collision. Collision coverage is needed to cover damages caused by a collision.
5. Will collision insurance cover damages caused by events other than a collision?
   No, collision insurance will not cover damages caused by events other than a collision. Comprehensive coverage is needed to cover damages caused by other events such as theft, vandalism, natural disaster, etc.
6. Will collision or comprehensive insurance cover injuries to myself or others?
   No, collision and comprehensive insurance do not cover injuries to yourself or others. Liability insurance is needed to cover injuries to others.
7. How do I know if I need comprehensive or collision insurance?
   It depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you want to protect your own vehicle from a wide range of risks, you may want to consider comprehensive insurance. If you want to protect your own vehicle specifically from collision damages, you may want to consider collision insurance.

   Reference Books

   Here are a few books that provide information on comprehensive and collision insurance coverage:

   1. “The Complete Guide to Auto Insurance” by Dan Ramsey: This book covers all aspects of auto insurance, including liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance. It provides a clear explanation of the different types of coverage and how they work, as well as tips for saving money on your auto insurance.
   2. “Insurance for Dummies” by Jack Hungelmann: This book is a comprehensive guide to all types of insurance, including auto insurance. It covers the basics of auto insurance, including liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance, and provides information on how to choose the right coverage for your needs.
   3. “The Complete Guide to Home and Auto Insurance” by David R. Rich: This book provides a comprehensive guide to both home and auto insurance. It covers the basics of auto insurance, including liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance, and also provides information on how to save money on your insurance.
   4. “The Ultimate Guide to Car Insurance” by CarInsurance.com: This book provides a comprehensive guide to auto insurance, including liability insurance, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance. It also includes information on how to choose the right coverage for your needs, how to save money on your auto insurance, and how to file a claim.

   These books will give you an in-depth understanding of the insurance and the type of coverage you need and why.