"Full Coverage" Car Insurance

The idea of "full coverage" auto insurance with complete protection is appealing, but it can be misleading. Because everyone's situation is unique, building a car insurance policy with the right combination of liability and first party coverages is crucial. This ensures you have the coverage you need without paying for anything unnecessary. It’s important to note that while “full coverage” offers broader protection it does not cover everything.

What is "Full Coverage" Car Insurance

To start, there's no standard definition of "full coverage" when it comes to car insurance, but people typically use the term to refer to a policy that carries both comprehensive and collision coverages, in addition to state-required liability coverage. However, a car insurance policy can also be personalized to provide you with the "full coverage" you need to protect you, your property, and your assets. Depending on your situation, your version of “full coverage” insurance may differ from someone else's.

For help finding what works best for you, check out our Coverage Calculator.

Personalizing Your “Full Auto Insurance Coverage”

Every auto insurance policy is made up of several coverages, some of which are required by your state. These required coverages, and the minimum limits you must carry, vary depending on where you live. If you want to learn what’s mandatory in your area, visit our car insurance requirements by state page for detailed information.

Beyond the state minimums, you can personalize your policy to get the level of protection often referred to as “full coverage.” This may include choosing higher liability limits for added financial protection, selecting deductibles that fit your budget, or adding optional coverages like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, or mechanical breakdown insurance. Personalizing your policy helps ensure you have the coverage that fits your needs—not just what’s required by law.

How Much Does "Full Coverage" Car Insurance Cost?

As we mentioned before, there is no standard definition of "full coverage" car insurance. We can help you make sure your policy meets your state's requirements, along with your individual situation.

Your premium is affected by the types of coverages, limits, discounts, and deductibles you choose. If you are comparing car insurance rates, it is important to keep this in mind.

Car Insurance Discounts and Ways to Save on Premiums

Even when you choose a higher level of protection, there are still plenty of ways to save on your auto insurance premium. GEICO offers a variety of discounts and tools designed to help you get the coverage you want at a competitive rate.

Multi-Policy Discount

You may qualify for savings when you bundle your GEICO auto policy with other policies, such as homeowners, renters, condo, or motorcycle insurance. Combining policies not only helps reduce your premium but also makes managing your insurance simple and convenient.

DriveEasy

DriveEasy* is GEICO’s usage-based program that helps reward safe driving habits. By using driving data to measure behaviors like braking, acceleration, and distracted driving, DriveEasy can help you become a safer driver—and safe driving habits may help you save on your premium.

GEICO also offers additional discounts for things like safety features, and good student performance. When you personalize your policy for “full coverage,” these savings can help balance out the cost of higher limits or added protections.

Do I Need “Full Coverage” Auto Insurance?

Whether you need “full coverage” depends on your personal situation, your budget, and the level of financial protection you want. Drivers with newer vehicles, financed or leased cars, or higher-value vehicles often choose “full coverage” to protect themselves from costly repairs or replacements after a collision, theft, vandalism, or weather damage.

If your car is older or has a lower market value, you might decide that certain coverages – like collision or comprehensive – are no longer necessary. Still, many drivers choose to personalize their policies for “full coverage” for peace of mind, knowing they’re protected from a wider range of unexpected events.

The right choice comes down to what feels appropriate for your risk tolerance, vehicle value, and financial comfort. GEICO can help you build a policy tailored to your needs, not just the minimum required by your state.

Car Insurance Coverage Options

Some car insurance coverages are required by your state. Although you must have the minimum limits; you can choose higher limits so your policy will fit your needs.

Liability Coverages

Most states require you to buy liability coverage. That often includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage. These coverages help provide protection if you're at fault in an accident and cause injury or damage to another person or their property.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have enough insurance to pay for your damages. These coverages may help cover your injuries or property damage.

These coverage requirements and options can vary widely by state. We can help you determine what is required by your state. You may also find information on our car information by state page.

Medical Coverages

Medical payments or personal injury protection coverage are the most common medical coverages. These coverages may assist with medical expenses for you, relatives, and possibly passengers as a result of an accident. The states determine which coverages are required and have different rules about who and what is covered.

There are other car insurance coverages that are not required by your state but can provide you with additional protection. If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lienholder may require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy to protect their interest.

Collision Coverage

Collision helps repair or replace your vehicle when it hits or is hit by another vehicle or object, and is available to use regardless of fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive is coverage for damage to your vehicle that is not the result of a collision. It covers your vehicle in the event of a theft or vandalism as well as damages resulting from flood, hail, or animals.

Additional Car Insurance Coverages

Additional coverages help you personalize your car insurance policy.

  • Rental Reimbursement: can help with transportation expenses incurred due to a covered loss.
  • Emergency Roadside Service: can provide roadside help for tire changes, jump starts, or a tow if necessary.
  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance: may assist in covering unexpected mechanical repairs.
  • Accident Forgiveness: Upgraded Accident Forgiveness can provide peace of mind that your rate will not increase due to a covered loss.

Check out the car insurance coverage information page to learn more about these and other available coverages.

Full Coverage Auto Insurance FAQs

  • Is full coverage the same as comprehensive?

    No. “Full coverage” is a general, informal term that refers to a combination of coverages – typically liability, collision, and comprehensive. Comprehensive coverage is just one part of that package. It helps cover damage to your vehicle from events such as theft, vandalism, fire, weather, or hitting an animal.

  • What is the difference between “full coverage” and liability?

    Liability insurance only helps cover injuries or property damage you cause to others. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle. “Full coverage” generally includes liability plus collision and comprehensive, which help pay for damage to your own car, whether from an accident, weather, or other covered incidents.

  • Does full coverage pay for a rental car?

    Not automatically. Rental reimbursement is an optional coverage you can add to help pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered claim. If having a rental car is important to you, be sure to include this coverage when building your version of “full coverage.”

  • Is “full coverage” necessary for an older car?

    It depends on your vehicle’s value and your comfort level with risk. If your car is older and worth less than the cost of its deductibles plus potential repairs, you may choose to drop collision or comprehensive coverage. However, if you rely heavily on your vehicle or want protection against unexpected repair costs, you may still prefer full coverage. GEICO can help you evaluate what makes the most sense for your situation.

Please note:

*DriveEasy is an optional program that is not available in all states and situations. Premium rates generally will vary based on participation in the program and the driving habits logged by the app. All enrolled drivers on a policy need to participate. Driver enrollment requirements differ by state and program details and are presented during your quote.

For more information, see our GEICO Mobile User Agreement and our Text Messaging Terms and Conditions.

The above is meant as general information and as general policy descriptions to help you understand the different types of coverages. These descriptions do not refer to any specific contract of insurance and they do not modify any definitions, exclusions or any other provision expressly stated in any contracts of insurance. We encourage you to speak to your insurance representative and to read your policy contract to fully understand your coverages.