Reader’s Question:

What is exactly is the difference between comprehensive automobile insurance and collision insurance? I’m Anne from Nampa, Idaho, and I need information. Thanks!

Anne

Nampa, ID

Well, hello, Anne from Nampa, Idaho. I’m Dave, and I’ll be glad to fill your information needs. Let’s start first with collision automotive insurance. It’s the type of insurance that covers you when your car, as the name implies, collides with something, may it be another car or some other inanimate object. You’re also covered for a car rollover, which means literally just that, your car rolling over. For cases like these, the automotive insurance company will pay for the damages up to the car’s fair market value. Fair market value is the price that the car would get in the current market place, provided that both buyer and seller are informed about the property and are free from trade pressures. Simply put, it’s how much the car would sell at the time. Additionally, collision insurance policies work on a no-fault basis, meaning that you are covered regardless of whose fault it is.

Comprehensive insurance, on the other hand is the type that protects you from damages that are caused by everything else apart from collisions. Hence, the name comprehensive. Instances of such are fortuitous events, like flood or earthquakes, vandalism or theft. But of course, you have to read your policy carefully to know the exact details of your insurance plan.

Tags: car insurance cost, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage