What do people mean by "full coverage" for my car?
You may be surprised that full coverage doesn't exist as an option when buying car insurance. Your bank or lender may require it, though. They're usually referring to coverages for physical damage to your vehicle, including collision and comprehensive, along with the minimum liability coverage amounts that most states and some lenders require.
Collision and comprehensive coverages can help pay for repairs to your car for covered losses like damage from hitting an object or flooding, and liability may help pay the medical expenses for someone you're responsible for injuring.
What's usually covered?
- Damage to your vehicle from accidents related to driving, no matter who's at fault
- Other people's expenses if you cause an accident
- Damage to your vehicle from other events, such as fire, glass damage and theft
What's not covered?
- Your medical bills and legal costs
- General wear and tear
- Reimbursement for a rental car or roadside assistance, unless you add those coverages
Are collision and comprehensive coverages required, like liability insurance?
If you're making payments on your vehicle, the lender may require you to have all three coverages. You should check with them for any coverage limits and minimum requirements. Even if you don't have a loan or lease on your car, having collision and comprehensive could save you out-of-pocket expenses if your vehicle is damaged.
How much do these coverages cost?
The cost of having liability, collision and comprehensive coverage varies. Your driving record, car's value, location, deductible amounts and how much coverage you select for each option are all factors that determine how much full coverage costs.
What's the difference between full and comprehensive coverage?
The words “full” and “comprehensive” may sound alike, but they mean different things in the world of car insurance. When you're building your policy, you won't see an option to get full coverage insurance. But when you get both comprehensive and collision insurance along with liability, it satisfies most lenders' requirements for coverage, and it's usually what they mean when they ask you to get "full coverage."
While a full coverage option technically doesn't exist, you'll have the opportunity to select comprehensive insurance. This type of coverage helps pay for incidents that are often out of your control. Think damage from severe weather, theft, vandalism, fire or hitting an animal. After you pay your deductible, your comprehensive coverage can kick in to help pay to repair or replace your car if these or other covered losses happen.
Get covered.
Be prepared for the unexpected with collision, liability and comprehensive insurance.
How do deductibles work?
Auto insurance deductibles are the out-of-pocket costs you pay when your coverage kicks in. Most policies allow you to choose different deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. Higher deductibles mean you pay less on your monthly premium. You will have less out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim and set a lower deductible. Collision deductibles ranging from $250 to $1,000 are common, while comprehensive deductibles typically range from $0 to $1,000. When you make your selection, choose a deductible that factors in your car's value and is something you can afford if you have to pay it.
Should I consider other types of coverage?
Whether you'll want additional coverages may depend on where you live, how much you drive and what other coverages you have.
Umbrella insurance
Protection from umbrella insurance may help cover you for damages that exceed your policy limits. It's designed to protect your assets from major covered losses, including injury claims and lawsuits.
Roadside assistanceSee note1
If you're stranded, this helps to get you back on the road or tow your vehicle. It also includes services to unlock your vehicle, deliver gas or change a tire.
Rental reimbursementSee note2
This feature pays for a rental car (up to the class you choose) while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered insurance claim.
Car replacement assistanceSee note3
This option takes care of you in the event your vehicle is declared a total loss. The claims settlement amount will include an additional 20% of the actual cash value of the vehicle.
How can I save on my premium?
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Increase your deductible. Paying more out of pocket may lower your premium.
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Select a different car. Consider a vehicle that won't be too costly to repair, and run quotes on the ones you're looking at.
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Get an anti-theft device.See note4 If you also have comprehensive coverage, having an anti-theft device installed in your car may help lower your car insurance premium.
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Combine your policies. If you have multiple insurance policies with different companies, you might qualify for savings by bundlingSee note5 them with USAA.
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Earn discounts. Everything from staying claims free and maintaining a good driving recordSee note6 to insuring a new vehicleSee note7 can help you qualify for savings on your premium.
Learn more about car insurance.
Did you know?
Liability coverage protects you from paying anything out of pocket unless the damage you've caused is more than the amount you choose for protection. When selecting your limit, consider your personal assets and what you can afford to pay.
Have more questions or need to file a claim?
It's easier than ever to file a claim. We're here to help. Call 800-531-USAA (8722)([thats 800-531-USAA (8722)) if you have questions. Or, to learn more about car insurance visit our car insurance FAQ page.