All states in the United States, with the exception New Hampshire, require drivers to have liability insurance to legally drive. Although collision and comprehensive coverage is optional for nearly all drivers, they are available.
Collision coverage
Collision covers damage to your vehicle that results from collisions with objects (e.g. a telephone pole or guard rail, a mailbox, or flipping over). Average annual costs are around $290. Collision coverage covers the cost of your vehicle’s repair, less the deductible.
Pothole damage is also covered by collision coverage.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive protects your vehicle from damage caused by accidents “other than collisions” and is significantly cheaper than collision coverage. Comprehensive coverage costs an average of $134 per year and is very cost-effective. It covers damage to your vehicle that results from the following:
- Contact animals
- Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods hurricanes tornadoes, volcanic eruptions and hurricanes
- Fire
- Riots and vandalism
- Theft or partial theft of the whole car or of parts such as the airbag
- Trees, branches, ice, and projectiles are all examples of fallen objects
- Broken windshield
Motorists who finance their vehicle may need to buy collision and comprehensive insurance.
To reduce your auto insurance expenditures, I.I.I. recommends taking a higher deductible.
Do the math if you have an older vehicle. Then, see if comprehensive or collision coverage is economically feasible.