Collision insurance is a type of car insurance coverage that helps pay to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a fence or a tree. This coverage applies regardless of who is at fault in the accident[1][7].
Specifically, collision insurance covers:
– A collision with another vehicle
– A collision with an object, such as a fence or tree
– A single-car accident that involves rolling or falling over[1]
However, there are certain things that collision insurance does not cover. These include:
– Damage to your vehicle not related to driving (examples: hail or theft)
– Damage to another person’s vehicle
– Medical bills (yours or another person’s)[1]
When you purchase collision insurance, you will select a deductible, which is the amount you pay out of pocket toward a covered claim. Common deductibles generally range from $250 to $1,000. The value of your car is an important factor to keep in mind when determining your deductible amount. Collision coverage has a limit, which is the maximum amount your policy will pay toward a covered claim. Your collision coverage limit is typically the actual cash value of your vehicle (its value minus depreciation)[1].
If you’re leasing or financing your car, collision coverage is typically required by the lender. If your car is paid off, collision is an optional coverage on your car insurance policy[1]. It’s important to consider how much it would cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it were damaged or destroyed in an accident. If you couldn’t afford to fix your car or buy a new one after a wreck, purchasing collision coverage could give you some peace of mind[1].