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Collision covers your car when it hits something — another vehicle, a pole, a curb. Comprehensive covers most other damage to your car: theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, hail, and animal strikes. They are separate coverages with separate deductibles, and lenders usually require both.
What you need to know
A simple test
If your car collided with something, that is collision. If something happened to your car, that is comprehensive.
Glass and windshields
Windshield damage typically falls under comprehensive; some policies offer a reduced or waived glass deductible.
When to consider dropping them
On an older, low-value vehicle you could replace out of pocket, the premium may outrun the potential payout.
Common mistakes
- Carrying California's minimum limits, which a single injury accident can exhaust.
- Declining or under-buying uninsured motorist coverage.
- Leaving a household driver off the policy.
- Filing small physical-damage claims near the deductible.
- Never updating mileage, garaging address or commute after a change.
When to talk to an agent
Talk to an agent before adding a teen driver, after buying a vehicle, after an accident or ticket, or any time you are not sure whether your liability limits would survive a serious at-fault crash.
Frequently asked
This article is general information, not a policy or a promise of coverage. What your policy pays depends on its specific terms, limits and exclusions. Ask us to review your actual policy before making a decision.