What Is Collision Insurance?
Auto accidents can be costly. That’s why you’ll want collision insurance to help cover damages from another vehicle or object. For example, if your car hits a tree during a storm, this type of
car insurance can help pay for your repairs. Without it, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.
Also keep in mind that while collision car insurance is optional, many lenders require it if you’re leasing or financing your car.
What Does Collision Insurance Cover?
Collision coverage might seem simple, but it actually helps cover damages to your car from many different accidents. Collision insurance helps with accidents that involve:
- A collision with another vehicle or an object like a fence or tree
- Only your car, like a rollover accident
- Someone crashing into your parked car
- An accident in a car you’ve rented
Your collision insurance typically won’t cover:
- Damage to another person, including medical bills
- Vandalism or theft
- Accidents with animals
- Losses other than auto damage from a collision
To get these protections, many AARP® members choose to bundle their collision insurance with:
What Is an Example of Collision Insurance?
Accidents can happen at any time and there are many reasons you might need collision insurance. For example:
- You swerve to avoid hitting something in the road and end up damaging your car on your neighbor’s fence.
- You park your car for an errand and return to find damage from someone hitting your parked car.
- You brake quickly and end up hydroplaning into a telephone pole.
What Is the Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Coverage?
Collision insurance helps cover the costs of repair for your car if you’re in an accident with another vehicle or an accident involving an object like a fence or a tree. Comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision,” is usually much less expensive and covers things like:
- Theft or vandalism of your car or its parts
- A tree falling on your car
- A broken windshield
- If you hit an animal while driving
- A natural disaster like a hurricane or earthquake
What Are the Deductibles for Collision Insurance Coverage?
Your collision deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for
car insurance claims before your policy covers the rest. For example, if your deductible is $1,500 and your vehicle has $5,000 in damage, you would be responsible only for the $1,500 to pay to repair your car. Your insurance company and your collision insurance coverage would help pay the rest.
How Much Does Collision Insurance Cost?
The cost of your collision insurance can vary depending on your:
- Car’s value
- Vehicle’s year, make and model
- Deductible amount
When it comes to insurance, usually the lower your deductible amounts, the higher your premium. So, if you plan to buy auto collision coverage, selecting a higher deductible generally helps
lower the cost of your auto insurance.
You must first have
comprehensive insurance coverage for your car before you can buy collision insurance. You can get a
car insurance quote online to find out how much you would pay for comprehensive and collision insurance.
What Are the Benefits of Auto Collision Insurance Coverage?
Collision insurance can offer you more than just peace of mind. It can help pay for damage to your car if it’s involved in an accident. If you have collision insurance, you can avoid having to pay out-of-pocket for damages to your vehicle that exceed the cost of your deductible. It can also help cover your losses with a totaled car.
Get a Car Insurance Quote
To learn more about the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
1 coverages that can help repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, get a
car insurance quote today.
Last Updated: September 22, 2023
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