What Is Covered in Full Coverage Car Insurance?

For most drivers, owning a car is not just a convenience, it’s a necessity. Whether you use your car to commute to work or for a leisurely drive on the weekends, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is protected in case of an accident or theft. This is where full coverage car insurance comes in.

What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Contrary to popular belief, full coverage car insurance is not a specific policy that covers every possible scenario. Instead, it’s a combination of different policies that provide more extensive coverage than a basic liability-only insurance policy. Full coverage typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.

Liability Coverage

Liability coverage is mandatory in most states and covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It can also help pay for legal fees if you’re sued as a result of the accident.

Full coverage car insurance usually includes higher liability limits than a basic policy, which is important because the cost of medical bills and property damage can quickly add up. With higher limits, you’ll have more protection in case of a serious accident.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays for damages to your car if it’s involved in an accident or collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who caused the accident. It’s important to note that collision coverage only covers the value of your car at the time of the accident, not the amount you owe on your car loan or lease.

If you have a newer or more expensive car, collision coverage is an important part of full coverage car insurance. Without it, you’ll be responsible for paying for any repairs or replacement costs out of pocket.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage provides protection for damages to your car that are not the result of a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or damage caused by weather events. It can also cover the cost of a rental car while your car is being repaired.

Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage is especially important if you have a newer or more expensive car. Without it, you’ll be responsible for paying for any repairs or replacement costs out of pocket.

What Else Is Covered in Full Coverage Car Insurance?

In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, full coverage car insurance may also include:

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage provides protection in case you’re involved in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages. This type of coverage can help pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses caused by the accident.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection (PIP) is insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers if you’re involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP is mandatory in certain states, while in others it’s optional.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance provides assistance if your car breaks down or you run out of gas. This can include services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes.

Glass Coverage

Glass coverage pays for repairs or replacement of broken windows, regardless of how the damage occurred. This can include windshield cracks, broken mirrors, and damaged sunroofs.

Customized Equipment Coverage

If you’ve added custom equipment to your car, such as a sound system or aftermarket wheels, customized equipment coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if they’re damaged or stolen.

What Are the Benefits of Full Coverage Car Insurance?

While full coverage car insurance can be more expensive than a basic liability-only policy, there are several benefits to having more extensive coverage:

Peace of Mind

Knowing that you’re protected in case of an accident or theft can give you peace of mind while driving. You’ll be able to focus on the road ahead, rather than worrying about what might happen if you were to get into an accident.

More Extensive Coverage

Full coverage car insurance provides more extensive coverage than a basic liability-only policy, which means you’ll be better protected if you’re involved in an accident. This can include coverage for damages to your car, as well as liability coverage for damages and injuries you cause to others.

Additional Benefits

Full coverage car insurance can also include additional benefits, such as roadside assistance and glass coverage, which can be especially helpful in case of a breakdown or accident.

FAQs About Full Coverage Car Insurance

1. How much does full coverage car insurance cost?

The cost of full coverage car insurance varies depending on several factors, including your age, driving record, and the make and model of your car. In general, full coverage car insurance can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year.

2. Is full coverage car insurance required by law?

No, full coverage car insurance is not required by law. However, liability insurance is required in most states, and many lenders require collision and comprehensive coverage if you’re financing or leasing a car.

3. Will full coverage car insurance cover a hit-and-run accident?

If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of your full coverage car insurance, it can provide protection in case of a hit-and-run accident. However, if you only have liability coverage, you may not be covered.

4. Do I need full coverage car insurance if I have an older car?

If you have an older car that’s not worth very much, you may not need full coverage car insurance. However, it’s still a good idea to have liability coverage in case you’re involved in an accident that causes damage or injury to others.

5. What should I look for when choosing a full coverage car insurance policy?

When choosing a full coverage car insurance policy, it’s important to consider factors like price, coverage limits, and deductibles. You should also research the insurance company’s reputation and customer service record.

6. Can I customize my full coverage car insurance policy?

Yes, most insurance companies allow you to customize your full coverage car insurance policy to fit your specific needs and budget. You can adjust your coverage limits, deductibles, and add-ons like roadside assistance or customized equipment coverage.

7. How can I save money on full coverage car insurance?

There are several ways to save money on full coverage car insurance, including raising your deductibles, bundling your car insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance, and taking advantage of discounts for things like safe driving or anti-theft devices.

Conclusion

Full coverage car insurance provides more extensive coverage than a basic liability-only policy, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, as well as additional benefits like roadside assistance and glass coverage. While it can be more expensive, it can also provide peace of mind and better protection in case of an accident or theft.

When choosing a full coverage car insurance policy, it’s important to consider factors like coverage limits, deductibles, and add-ons, as well as the insurance company’s reputation and customer service record. By doing your research and comparing quotes from different insurance providers, you can find the right policy to fit your needs and budget.

Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-driving-the-car-while-the-woman-is-watching-the-gps-near-him-4177430/