By Ty McDuffey, J.D. | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq. | Last reviewed September 07, 2023
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When searching for the best auto insurance policy, you might come across the term "full coverage car insurance." But what does full coverage mean? Which type of coverage is right for you?
This article dives into the components of a full coverage policy and how it differs from the state's minimum requirements.
Contrary to its name, full coverage auto insurance doesn't cover everything related to your motor vehicle. Instead, it's a combination of various types of insurance designed to protect you, your car, and others on the road.
Typically, a full coverage car insurance policy includes liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.
Mandatory in most states, liability insurance is a fundamental component of an auto insurance policy. It's designed to cover costs associated with any harm you might cause to others.
Consisting of bodily injury liability and property damage liability, this coverage pays for medical bills and property damage, respectively, of other parties when you're the at-fault driver. Every state sets minimum liability limits. It's advisable to consider higher limits for added protection.
Since this type of insurance is mandatory, each state sets its minimum coverage requirements. However, because the costs of an accident can be high, many people recommend purchasing more than the minimum required.
Collision coverage is all about covering the costs to repair or replace your car after a collision with another vehicle or an object like a lamp post or a tree.
This coverage kicks in irrespective of who is at fault in the accident. It typically comes with a deductible. A deductible is an out-of-pocket amount you're responsible for before your insurance pays. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium might be.
Collision coverage isn't mandatory under state laws. But it might be required if you lease your vehicle or have an auto loan. If you own an older car outright, you might drop this coverage. The cost might outweigh the potential benefits.
Comprehensive insurance is a form of coverage that deals with damages to your car not caused by a collision. It's often paired with collision coverage. Often, like collision coverage, it includes a deductible.
As with collision coverage, comprehensive insurance is not required by state laws. But it might be mandated by lenders or leasing companies. Consider the value of your car and where you live (for instance, in areas prone to natural disasters) when deciding on this coverage.
Again, after your deductible, the insurance company covers repairs up to the car's actual cash value.
Your driving record, car age, and financial situation play roles in this decision.
Let's dive into each aspect of shopping for full coverage.
Insurance quotes estimate how much your car insurance will cost, given your personal information, the vehicle you drive, desired coverages, and other factors.
Don't just settle for the first quote you get. Shop around. Different car insurance companies, including big names like Allstate, might offer similar coverages at varying rates.
Many companies now provide online tools to fetch immediate quotes. This allows for quick comparisons.
While price is an important factor, also consider the company's reputation, customer service, and the ease of filing claims. Cheapest doesn't always mean the best.
Insurance agents are professionals trained to guide you through the maze of insurance products. They can offer advice tailored to your situation.
They can help you tailor a policy to your needs. This ensures you aren't underinsured or overpaying.
If insurance jargon confuses you, an agent can break things down in simpler terms.
There are two main types of agents:
You can choose either for a more personalized experience or a broader range of options.
This is the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered claim.
Higher limits offer better protection, especially if you have significant assets. If you're at fault in a severe accident, and your liability coverage runs out, your assets could be at risk in a lawsuit.
While higher limits provide better protection, they also have a higher premium. Strike a balance between protection and affordability.
State laws usually dictate minimum coverage limits, but these might not be enough, especially if you have a lot to lose.
A deductible is the amount you agree to pay toward a covered claim before your insurance policy kicks in.
A higher deductible typically means a lower premium. However, you must be sure you can afford to pay that deductible if an accident happens. A lower deductible might mean higher premiums but fewer out-of-pocket costs after an incident.
You might lean toward a higher deductible if you feel you're a safe driver and less likely to make a claim. A lower deductible might be worth the higher premiums if you're concerned about potential accidents.
Remember that it's not just about finding the cheapest policy when shopping for full coverage. It's about finding the policy that best fits your needs and provides peace of mind while on the road.
"Full coverage" is more a term of art in the automobile insurance world than a concrete definition. It's pivotal to understand:
Understanding your full coverage policy limits, state insurance requirements, and potential insurance costs will empower you to make informed decisions. Whether it's to protect your vehicle, meet your lender's demands, or safeguard against uninsured drivers, knowing your coverage is essential in the unpredictable realm of driving.
Consult with a personal injury attorney if you have questions about driver's insurance after a car accident or need to make an insurance claim.
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