"Full Coverage" Car Insurance

What is "full coverage" car insurance?

The idea of "full coverage" auto insurance where you have total protection for your car or truck would be great. But what does "full coverage" mean for car insurance? Also, why can this term be misleading when selecting the right coverage for your vehicle?

To start, there's no standard definition of "full coverage" for car insurance. Car insurance isn't a one-size-fits-all purchase and a car insurance policy should be customized to fit your needs. A few things to consider are how much coverage you need to protect your property and assets. Based 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.

What coverages make up an auto insurance policy?

Auto insurance policies have state-required coverages which include limits you're legally required to have. Then there are optional coverages and coverage limits. The coverages and limits of coverage vary by state. Want to know more about your state? Check out the state information pages.

Common Car Insurance Coverages

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 buy liability coverage. It 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 state information pages.

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 offered and have different rules about who and what is covered. We can help you determine what is required by your state. You may also find information on our state information pages.

There are other 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 your vehicle when it hits or is hit by another vehicle or object. You can use collision whether you're at fault or not.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive is coverage for damage to your vehicle. It covers your vehicle in the event of a theft or vandalism. It can also help with losses resulting from flood, hail, and when you hit an animal.

Additional coverages help you personalize your car insurance policy. You may want rental reimbursement to help with rental expenses due to a covered loss. Emergency road service can help provide roadside assistance for tire changes, jump starts, or a tow if necessary.

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

How can I customize my car insurance policy to best meet my needs?

Even though you must have the state required coverage, you can still customize your policy. You may decide to carry higher limits than the state minimums for extra protection.

You can also select your deductible amounts on certain coverages. Or, you can add coverages to help with roadside assistance, rental, or even mechanical breakdown. You may also want to consider an umbrella insurance policy.

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, and deductibles you choose. If you are comparing car insurance rates, it is important to keep this in mind.

If you decide to carry higher limits than required by the state, the cost of your policy will probably be more than someone with the minimum limits of coverage. Or, if you choose a higher deductible, the cost for those coverages is normally lower than if you carry a lower deductible.