What is full coverage?
Comprehensive car insurance, often referred to as “full coverage auto insurance,” is a comprehensive insurance package that combines multiple types of auto insurance coverages to provide extensive protection for both you and your vehicle. While there is technically no single “full coverage” policy offered by insurance providers, drivers commonly use the term to describe an insurance package that includes the following types of coverage:
- Liability Insurance: Liability insurance is a fundamental component of full coverage auto insurance. It covers the costs associated with injuries and property damage that you may be liable for in an accident where you are found at fault. This coverage is designed to protect other parties involved in the accident, including other drivers and passengers.
- Collision Insurance: Collision insurance is a key part of full coverage auto insurance. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage provides financial protection for your own vehicle.
- Comprehensive Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is another essential component of full coverage auto insurance. It covers a wide range of non-collision-related damages to your vehicle. This includes coverage for theft, vandalism, natural disasters, falling objects, fire, and other unexpected events. Comprehensive coverage helps protect your vehicle from various perils.
- Additional Coverages: In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, a full coverage auto insurance package may include various additional coverages, such as:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): This coverage helps pay for medical expenses and other related costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.
- Medical Payments Coverage: Similar to PIP, medical payments coverage helps cover medical expenses resulting from an accident. It is available in some states.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has little or no insurance coverage.
- Rental Car Reimbursement: Rental car reimbursement coverage helps cover the cost of renting a replacement vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered accident.
- Roadside Assistance: Roadside assistance coverage provides help with common roadside issues, such as flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.
The cost of a full coverage auto insurance policy varies depending on several factors, including your age, location, driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, your chosen deductibles and policy limits, and any additional coverages you select.
While “full coverage” is not a specific policy type, combining liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, along with additional coverages, can provide comprehensive protection for you and your vehicle. It is essential to tailor your insurance coverage to your specific needs and budget.
When shopping for auto insurance, it’s a good idea to compare quotes and coverage options from different insurance providers to find the policy that best suits your requirements.
