What is “Full Coverage” Car Insurance?

What does full coverage really mean?

Full coverage car insurance isn't a specific insurance product. Instead, it's a term used to describe an auto insurance policy that combines Liability, Comprehensive, and Collision coverage. Together, these coverages help pay for damage you cause to others and repairs to your own car after covered accidents, theft, severe weather, and other events.

Despite its name, full coverage doesn't cover everything. Below, we go over what it includes, how much it costs, and how to decide if full coverage is right for you.

What does full coverage car insurance include?

Full coverage auto insurance typically includes three types of protection. Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to others, while Collision and Comprehensive coverage protect your own vehicle.

Liability coverage

Liability coverage helps pay for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Most states require drivers to carry it. Liability insurance includes:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers another person's medical bills, lost wages, and related costs after an accident you cause.

• Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property.

If you rear-end another driver, Liability coverage helps pay their repair costs and medical bills. Your policy limits determine how much your insurer pays. Liability doesn't cover damage to your own car.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle from events other than collisions. This includes theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, falling objects, broken glass, and hitting an animal.

For example, if a tree branch falls onto your parked car during a storm, Comprehensive coverage helps pay for the repairs after you meet your deductible.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage helps repair or replace your car after a covered accident, regardless of fault. This includes crashes with other vehicles, hitting stationary objects, and single-car accidents such as rollovers.

If you slide on an icy road and hit a guardrail, Collision coverage helps pay for the damage. You'll pay your deductible first. Together, Collision and Comprehensive coverages protect your vehicle from a wider range of risks.

What does full coverage car insurance not cover?

Full coverage auto insurance typically includes three types of protection. Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to others, while Collision and Comprehensive coverage protect your own vehicle.

Full coverage protects against many risks, but it doesn't cover every expense. Your policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions determine what your insurer pays.

Standard full coverage car insurance generally excludes:

• Routine maintenance: Oil changes, tire rotations, and normal wear and tear.

• Mechanical breakdowns: Engine failures and other mechanical problems.

• Personal belongings: Items stolen from inside your vehicle.

• Rental cars: Transportation costs while a repair shop fixes your car.

• Roadside services: Jump-starts, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance.

• Your medical bills: Injuries to you or your passengers typically require separate coverage.

You may add optional coverages to help pay for some of these expenses.

What additional car insurance coverages should you consider?

Some states require additional coverage beyond Liability, while others let you choose. Depending on your needs, consider these options:

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: Helps with certain costs when an at-fault driver has little or no insurance

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps pay medical bills and certain other expenses after an accident, regardless of fault.

• Medical Payments (MedPay): Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers.

• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for temporary transportation after a covered claim.

• Roadside Assistance: Provides help with towing, flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts.

Explore Root's coverage options to find the right protection for your needs.

What's the difference between full coverage and Liability-only car insurance?

The main difference is protection for your own vehicle. Liability-only insurance pays for covered injuries and property damage you cause to others. It doesn't pay to repair your car after a collision, theft, or severe weather.

Full coverage adds Collision and Comprehensive coverages, which help pay to repair or replace your vehicle after covered accidents and other events.

Liability-only insurance generally costs less. However, full coverage offers more financial protection if your vehicle needs major repairs or replacement. Neither option automatically covers your own medical expenses.

How much does full coverage car insurance cost?

Full coverage usually costs more than Liability-only insurance because it includes Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Your actual rate depends on several factors:

• Driving history: Accidents and traffic violations.

• Location: Local accident rates, theft, and weather risks.

• Vehicle: Your car's age, value, and repair costs.

• Coverage limits: The maximum amount your insurer pays.

• Deductibles: What you pay toward a covered claim.

• Discounts: Savings you qualify for based on your policy and other factors.

How do deductibles affect full coverage costs?

A deductible is what you pay before your Collision or Comprehensive coverage pays toward a claim.

For example, your car needs $3,000 in covered repairs. With a $500 deductible, you pay $500, and your insurer pays the remaining $2,500, subject to policy terms.

Higher deductibles generally lower your premium, while lower deductibles increase it. Choose an amount you could afford after an accident.

Is full coverage car insurance required?

No states require full coverage car insurance by name. However, most states require Liability coverage, and some also require PIP or UM/UIM.

If you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender will typically require Collision and Comprehensive coverage.

Once you pay off your car, you generally have the option to remove these coverages while keeping your state's required insurance.

Is full coverage car insurance worth it?

Full coverage is worth considering if repairing or replacing your car would put a strain on your finances. It often makes sense for newer vehicles, financed cars, and drivers who rely on their vehicles every day.

Liability-only insurance might work better if you own an older car with a low market value and have enough savings to replace it. Before dropping coverage, compare your vehicle's value with your premiums and deductibles.