Collision insurance: What it is and what it covers

What is collision insurance?

Collision insurance can help pay for repairs to your vehicle if you hit an object, such as another car, a fence, or a snowbank. Unlike liability coverage, no matter who’s at fault collision coverage can help pay for repairs to your vehicle.

Adding collision insurance to your car insurance policy can be a great supplement to liability insurance, but there are other factors to consider to know if collision coverage makes sense for your situation.

Let's take a closer look as you're considering collision among all the car insurance coverages available to you.

What collision insurance covers

Collision insurance covers physical damage to your vehicle if it strikes something or something strikes it, regardless of who’s at fault. This may include:

• Damage to your car in an accident you cause
• Damage to your car if you hit an object, such as a fence or pole
• Damage to your car if someone else hits you (the other driver's liability insurance could also pay for this damage)

What collision insurance doesn’t cover

Collision insurance doesn’t cover any damages to other vehicles, property, or people involved in an accident, and it may not cover accessories or special equipment that you’ve added to your vehicle. It also doesn’t cover damage to your vehicle that results from something other than hitting another car or object.

Here are some examples:

• Hail or other types of storm damage
• Hitting an animal, such as a deer
• Damage to another vehicle
• Damage to private property, such as a mailbox
• Medical bills for anyone involved in the accident

Do I need collision insurance?

Collision claims are one of the most commonly filed auto insurance claims, but collision accidents don’t necessarily involve other drivers. Our data shows that more collision accidents involve a stationary object versus another moving vehicle.

While you should carefully review every coverage option when determining your auto insurance policy, collision insurance is important coverage to consider adding.

When determining whether you should purchase collision insurance, consider:

• Vehicle value: Collision insurance doesn’t pay out more than the value of your vehicle, so factor in the worth of your car when determining if collision insurance is right for you.
• Accident costs: According to the Insurance Information Institute, collision claims are one of the most expensive types of claims, averaging $3,750—second only to bodily injury claims. The average collision claim costs nearly triple the amount of the average annual car insurance premium in some states, according to Bankrate.
• Location: Depending on where you live, road conditions can vary throughout the year and you may drive in weather conditions that increase your likelihood of a collision. In fact, our data shows that collision accidents occur 6 percent more often during the winter months, on average.

Is collision insurance required by law?

No states legally mandate collision insurance, but if you have a loan on your vehicle, the lender may require you to carry it along with comprehensive insurance to fulfill an insurance requirement. Adding collision insurance can also provide peace of mind—versus having only the minimum legal requirements—by helping to minimize your out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident.