Collision vs. Comprehensive Car Insurance in California: Which Coverage Do You Need?

Choosing your car insurance policy can sometimes feel overwhelming when there are plenty of options available. If you’re looking at collision vs. comprehensive car insurance in California, finding cheap car insurance quotes is just one part of the equation. Do you know what type of coverage to expect under each type of policy? It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty so when you need to file a claim, you’re confident you’ve chosen an auto insurance that’s just right for your needs. 

Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: A Primer 

Choosing between collision vs. comprehensive car insurance in California starts with understanding what each policy offers – and when these insurance coverages apply. 

Collision Coverage 

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle when a direct accident involving the car occurs. That can include: 

• A collision with another driver, including cases where the policyholder causes the accident 

• Single-vehicle accidents with stationary objects 

Collision insurance is not required by California law. However, if you have a loan on your vehicle, it could be something your lender may require. 

Comprehensive Coverage 

Comprehensive coverage is designed to cover damage to your vehicle that does not occur because of an incident on the road. That may mean: 

• Animal-related damage  

• Theft  

• Vandalism 

• Fire 

• Weather-related damage  

Like collision insurance, comprehensive insurance is not mandatory under law but may be required by some lenders if you have a loan on your new vehicle.  

What Are the Key Aspects of Collision Insurance? 

Collision insurance covers the physical damage to your car after an accident that results from a direct collision, including accidents caused by the covered driver.  

When you have collision coverage, your insurance covers the cost of repairing your vehicle even when you cause the accident. That can provide immense peace of mind for a lot of drivers. 

Note, however, that collision insurance is not liability insurance. Damage liability coverage is different and will take care of repairs to the other driver’s vehicle if you cause an accident, as well as to any property you damage.  

Repairs or Replacement: What to Expect 

Whether you aim for repairs or replacement after an accident may not be your choice. Your insurance company will decide if  the damage to your vehicle is extensive enough to warrant total loss when the cost of repairing the car rises higher than its value.  

Unpacking Comprehensive Car Insurance 

So, there’s damage to your vehicle, but it didn’t happen on the road: That’s when comprehensive vehicle insurance is valuable. Whether a tree limb fell on your car or you had to leave it behind during a wildfire, comprehensive auto insurance is key for covering those damages.  

Comprehensive auto coverages can help cover the cost of things like vandalism. It does not, however, offer any coverage after an accident with an uninsured driver.  

Comparing Costs and Considerations 

Most vehicle damage happens in collisions. As a result, collision insurance costs are often more expensive than comprehensive coverage.  

Luckily, there are some things you can do to save the most on your auto insurance cost. You can: 

• Choose higher deductibles (but make sure you have the funds available to cover the deductible when the time comes) 

• Choose a policy that has more exemptions 

• Purchase a vehicle with a lower overall value 

Ultimately, the cost of any insurance policy when comparing comprehensive vs. collision coverage will depend on how much your vehicle is worth and your record as a driver. Note that this year’s auto insurance rate increase in California could also impact your coverage costs. 

What Circumstances Can Impact Coverage Choices? 

Collision vs. comprehensive auto insurance: which one do you need? The answer can depend on a few potential factors.  

• Budget: You may need to price out the cost of coverage to make sure it fits your available funds. 

• Likelihood of some types of incidents: If your car is parked in a garage and usually somewhere safe, the likelihood of needing comprehensive insurance may be lower. 

• Vehicle value: You may decide it’s not worth putting a lot of insurance coverage on a lower-value vehicle.  

If you, like many drivers, think “both” is the obvious answer to your coverage needs, a full coverage auto insurance policy will provide comprehensive and collision insurance. 

The Fine Print: Exclusions and Limitations 

While comprehensive and collision coverages can go a long way toward helping to cover the cost of damage to your vehicle, there are some limitations to keep in mind. First and foremost, the maximum coverage offered by the insurance company is usually the market value of your vehicle. 

Next, keep in mind that there may be specific limitations to your policy. You may have to take out specific insurance coverages for wildfires or flooding, and it may increase your insurance costs. Talk to your insurance agent to get a better idea of what is covered.  

Compare Collision and Comprehensive Car Insurance Quotes in California Today for the Best Protection at the Right Price 

Are you still considering comprehensive vs. collision car insurance coverage in California? Cost-U-Less Insurance is here to help. Call us at 800-390-4071 for assistance with your policy, or get a fast and free car insurance quote online. Prefer to visit us in person? Find an office near you to speak with a local insurance agent. 

FAQs 

Do California Drivers Need Both Comprehensive and Collision Insurance? 

California drivers do not legally have to carry either collision or comprehensive coverage. However, having those vital auto coverages can make a big difference in the drivers’ ability to replace or repair vehicles after an accident.  

How Can California Residents Best Determine Suitable Coverage Levels? 

California residents should talk to an insurance agent about the type of comprehensive and collision coverages they need for their vehicles. An insurance agent can help them assess their budget, evaluate the vehicle’s value, and recommend the best policy for their needs.