KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGES
Comprehensive and collision insurance are two separate and distinct types of optional insurance coverage available to drivers in the State of California. Generally, referred together as “comp and collision,” these coverages are not mandatory as are bodily injury and property damage liability coverages.
Both collision and comprehensive coverages pay for damage to your vehicle, and generally come with a deductible. There are differences in the two coverages, and it is generally prudent to purchase each of the coverages in order to protect oneself for damages to their vehicle. Without comprehensive and collision insurance, a driver is at risk for having to cover all repairs or the total replacement cost of one’s vehicle.
Collision coverage is relatively simple, and generally protects the driver against damages incurred when the vehicle collides with another vehicle or object. This would also include a rollover of your vehicle. Collision coverage generally covers the vehicle damage regardless of who is at fault for the damages.
Examples of collision coverage includes being hit by another motor vehicle, backing into a vehicle, striking a pot hole, curb, tree, or other object that may be in the road, and rolling the car over.
It is not always obvious which type of this physical damage insurance coverage applies in a given situation. The comprehensive insurance doesn’t protect against every possible situation, it merely covers the vehicle for damage incurred in most non-collision incidents where the driver has little or no control over what occurs. This includes incidents such as flood or mud slides, damage by falling objects, striking an animal and most theft-type of items.
Although these coverages are optional, in order to insure full and complete protection to your vehicle for a variety of damage claims, these coverages should be obtained. Once again, motorists are at risk for having to incur all damages out of one’s pocket without the necessary coverages.
The primary issue that one considers when purchasing insurance or additional coverages, is cost. A collision claim may be your fault and result in an increase in premium. A comprehensive claim is generally a no fault situation and insurance rates should not rise. Irrespective, these coverages are dependent upon many factors, including age, gender, driving record, location, and other risk factors.
Should you have any questions related to insurance issues, including automobile accidents, insurance claims, types of coverages, or other injuries related issues, please contact Heiting & Irwin for a free initial consultation.
