Home>Car Insurance>Knowledge

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle after hitting other cars or objects, regardless of fault, but it’s important to understand its limitations.

Updated | Reading time: 3 minutes

Woman beginning a claim to see how much insurance will pay for a totaled car.
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

Table of contents

Table of contentsexpand/collapse

Collision insurance safeguards your car if you hit a stationary object or another vehicle. It pays for physical damage to your car, no matter who’s at fault.[?] State law doesn’t require drivers to carry collision coverage, but your lender or lessor may require it if you finance or lease your vehicle.

Understanding what collision insurance covers is important as a vehicle owner so you can get your car back on the road quickly after a covered loss. Here’s exactly what collision insurance covers and what it doesn’t cover.

What collision insurance covers

Collision insurance is your financial safety net if you hit another vehicle or stationary object. Unlike liability coverage — which pays for damage you cause to others — a collision policy covers your own car. It takes care of the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an accident, minus your deductible.

Here are some scenarios collision car insurance would cover:[?]

  • Hitting another vehicle

  • Hitting a telephone pole, tree, or traffic sign

  • Driving over a pothole

  • Flipping or rolling over your vehicle, even if other cars are involved

Collision insurance plays a crucial role in keeping your finances secure, especially if you’re at fault for the damage.

Get Car Insurance Today

Liability rates start at $40 per month

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

What collision insurance doesn’t cover

While collision insurance can cover various scenarios, a few exclusions exist. A few situations when it doesn’t kick in include:[?]

When you might need collision insurance

A collision policy is optional coverage, but it can be essential to your auto insurance policy. It’s especially beneficial if you don’t have money to pay for repairs or replacement if your car is a total loss.

It’s a smart choice if you have a newer, more expensive vehicle or drive in high-traffic areas with a higher risk of accidents. But if you have an older car with a low value, the cost of collision coverage might outweigh its benefits.

Keep in mind that even though state law doesn’t require it, lenders and leasing companies can mandate collision insurance coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle.

Collision insurance pros and cons

Carefully considering your coverage options is a good idea to find the right balance between protection and affordability. You want the proper protection in place without paying for more coverage than you need.

Here are a few pros and cons of collision car insurance:

Pros

  • Covers vehicle damages in most collision situations

  • Protects your finances from expensive out-of-pocket costs

  • Also covers damages from running over potholes

Cons

  • Increases your insurance premiums

  • Requires a deductible

  • Doesn’t cover damage you cause to others’ property

Shop for Cheap Car Insurance Online

Compare quotes from the top 120+ insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Collision vs. comprehensive insurance

Comprehensive insurance is another type of car insurance coverage. It pays for damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions — such as theft, vandalism, weather damage from natural disasters, and animal collisions.[?] Drivers often buy comprehensive insurance coverage alongside collision insurance as part of a full-coverage insurance policy.

Full coverage bundles together liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance for more protection for your vehicle. You may want to ask your insurer about full-coverage insurance if you drive a newer, high-value car, even if your lender or leasing company doesn’t require it.[?]

Collision insurance FAQs

Collision insurance safeguards your vehicle in events like hitting another car, colliding with a tree, or running into a telephone pole. Read the answers to common questions about collision insurance below to help you make the best decision about your coverage.

  • Is collision coverage better than full-coverage insurance?

    Collision coverage is just one type of insurance in a full-coverage policy. Full coverage also includes comprehensive and liability protection. It protects against more situations and offers greater peace of mind for your vehicle and finances than collision coverage, but it comes with higher rates.

  • When should you drop collision insurance?

    You might consider dropping collision insurance when the value of your vehicle is low enough that the cost of coverage is more than the potential benefit of filing a collision claim. If the cost of collision insurance is more than 10 times your car’s value, you can probably drop collision coverage.[?]

  • Does collision insurance cover hit-and-run accidents?

    Yes. A collision car insurance policy typically covers damage from a hit-and-run accident after you pay your deductible. But your insurance company may require you to complete a police report. If police can find the hit-and-run driver, their liability insurance can cover your damages and might reimburse you the amount of your collision deductible.

Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer

Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Amy has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.

Learn More
linkedin

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate