When financing a car, most lenders will require that you have full coverage insurance, primarily to safeguard their investment. Full coverage typically encompasses both comprehensive (often referred to as “comp”) and collision insurance.
Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage is aptly named, as it covers a comprehensive range of incidents that are “other than collision.” This means it provides protection against damages from fire, theft, vandalism, natural disasters like floods or storms, and even events such as hitting an animal on the road. Essentially, comprehensive insurance covers events that are often out of a driver’s control.
Collision Insurance: On the other hand, collision insurance specifically covers damages to your vehicle resulting from a collision, whether it’s with another vehicle or a stationary object, like a tree or light pole. Even if you’re at fault in the accident, collision coverage will help cover repair costs up to the vehicle’s current market value.
Both these coverages play a pivotal role in full coverage, ensuring that the financed vehicle is protected from a broad spectrum of potential damages. While state mandates might require basic liability insurance, it’s the financing agreement that typically necessitates both comprehensive and collision coverages. Being well-informed about these components helps ensure your vehicle is not only compliant with state laws but also adheres to the requirements of your financing agreement, ensuring a smooth experience with your lender and comprehensive protection for your vehicle.