Full Coverage Car Insurance: A Complete Guide (2024)

Compare full coverage car insurance quotes from leading providers to ensure comprehensive protection for your vehicle. Safeguard against accidents, damages, and liability with reliable coverage options. Get customized quotes from top insurers in your area and make an informed decision for your car insurance needs.

UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023Fact Checked

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Natasha McLachlan

Insurance and Finance Writer

Natasha McLachlan is a writer who currently lives in Southern California. She is an alumna of California College of the Arts, where she obtained her B.A. in Writing and Literature. Her current work revolves around insurance guides and informational articles. She truly enjoys helping others learn more about everyday, practical matters through her work.

Insurance and Finance Writer

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. He reviews content, ensuring tha...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023

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UPDATED: Dec 11, 2023Fact Checked

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Full Coverage Car Insurance. If you’re looking for complete protection for your vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about full coverage car insurance, including its definition, coverage options, and factors that can affect your premiums.

We understand that finding the best car insurance by vehicle provider can be overwhelming, but worry not. To make the process easier, we invite you to enter your zip code below and compare rates from the top insurance providers in your area. Take the first step towards safeguarding your vehicle today!

What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Full coverage includes bodily injury and liability protection. This type of car insurance pays for the injuries or damages you cause to other people or their property. When you purchase full coverage car insurance, make sure that your liability limits are high enough to pay for serious medical injuries if the need arises.

Collision insurance is also a typical part of full coverage and pays for damage that is done to your car. Without collision, your policy will pay for someone else’s damages but not for your own. If you own an older car, it could be less expensive to replace the car after an accident than to carry collision coverage, but older cars are typically not insured with this type of car insurance.

Full coverage insurance is sometimes required as part of a purchase or lease from a dealership. This is so that the dealership does not suffer a loss if you are involved in an accident that totals the vehicle. Even with this type of car insurance, the insurance company may only pay a depreciated amount which means you will need an additional rider on the policy called GAP insurance to pay for the difference between cash value and the amount owed on the loan.

With car insurance, full coverage usually means the insurer will pay for auto glass replacement, but you may have to meet a deductible before you can do so. In some cases, the deductible may be most of the cost of replacement, and paying the remainder out of pocket could save filing an insurance claim that could potentially increase your rates.

Because not all full coverage car insurance policies are the same, it is a good idea to compare car insurance rates with online quotes. This lets you compare the premiums and different types of coverage offered by different companies, and helps you discover the discounts available to save money on your insurance policy. For example, a car with side air bags will earn you a discount, and if the car has a security system you can save even more. Make sure to ask an agent about how you can get the cheapest car insurance quotes.
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Case Studies: Full Coverage Car Insurance: A Complete Guide

Case Study 1: Mary’s Accident and Comprehensive Coverage

Mary, a cautious driver, had full coverage car insurance with comprehensive and collision coverage. One stormy night, a large tree fell on her parked car, causing significant damage. Thanks to her comprehensive coverage, Mary’s insurance company covered the cost of repairing her vehicle, minus the deductible. This incident highlighted the importance of comprehensive coverage, which protects against non-collision-related incidents such as natural disasters, vandalism, and theft.

Case Study 2: John’s Total Loss and Gap Insurance

John had recently purchased a brand-new car and opted for full coverage car insurance, including gap insurance. Unfortunately, just a few months after purchasing the vehicle, he was involved in a severe accident that rendered the car a total loss. Since the value of his car had depreciated significantly in such a short time, John still had an outstanding loan balance that exceeded the insurance payout. However, thanks to his gap insurance, the remaining loan balance was covered, preventing him from facing a substantial financial burden.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Liability Coverage and Legal Expenses

Sarah had basic liability coverage as part of her full coverage car insurance policy. One day, she accidentally rear-ended another vehicle, causing significant damage and injuries to the other driver. The injured driver filed a lawsuit against Sarah, claiming medical expenses and loss of income. Sarah’s insurance company stepped in and provided legal representation, covering her legal expenses. This case illustrated the importance of liability coverage, which protects against bodily injury and property damage claims made by others.

Read more: Car Insurance Laws: A Comprehensive Guide

Case Study 4: David’s Comprehensive Coverage and Stolen Car

David owned a classic car and had comprehensive coverage included in his full coverage car insurance policy. Unfortunately, one night, his beloved vehicle was stolen from his driveway. David promptly reported the theft to the police and his insurance company. After the necessary waiting period, his insurance company reimbursed him for the appraised value of his stolen car. This case demonstrated how comprehensive coverage can safeguard against the financial loss of a stolen vehicle.

Read more: Is car theft covered by car insurance?

Case Study 5: Emily’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage and Hit-and-Run Incident

Emily was driving on a busy highway when an unidentified vehicle abruptly changed lanes, colliding with her car and speeding away. Emily suffered significant injuries and vehicle damage, but the responsible driver could not be identified. Luckily, Emily had uninsured motorist coverage as part of her full coverage car insurance policy. Her insurance company covered her medical expenses and car repairs, ensuring she wasn’t burdened with the costs resulting from the hit-and-run incident.

Case Study 6: Michael’s Collision Coverage and At-Fault Accident

Michael, an experienced driver, was involved in an at-fault accident where he rear-ended another vehicle at a stop sign. The collision caused substantial damage to both cars, and Michael was found to be responsible for the incident. Fortunately, Michael had collision coverage within his full coverage car insurance policy. His insurance company covered the cost of repairing both vehicles, mitigating the financial impact of the accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Full Coverage Car Insurance is a type of auto insurance that provides a higher level of protection for your car compared to liability insurance. It typically includes collision coverage, comprehensive coverage, and liability insurance.

What does Collision Coverage cover?

Collision Coverage is a type of coverage that pays for damages to your car if you get into an accident with another vehicle or object.

What does Comprehensive Coverage cover?

Comprehensive Coverage is a type of coverage that pays for damages to your car that are not related to a collision. This includes damage from theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.

Is Full Coverage Car Insurance required by law?

No, Full Coverage Car Insurance is not required by law. However, most lenders require full coverage if you have a car loan, and it is highly recommended if you have a newer or more valuable car.

How much does Full Coverage Car Insurance cost?

The cost of Full Coverage Car Insurance varies depending on several factors, including your driving history, the make and model of your car, and your location. On average, Full Coverage Car Insurance can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year.

What is the deductible for Full Coverage Car Insurance?

The deductible for Full Coverage Car Insurance is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Typically, deductibles range from $250 to $1,000.

What is the difference between Full Coverage Car Insurance and Liability Insurance?

Liability Insurance only covers damages you may cause to other people and their property, while Full Coverage Car Insurance covers damages to your own car as well.

Does Full Coverage Car Insurance cover rental cars?

Some Full Coverage Car Insurance policies include rental car coverage, but you should check with your insurance company to make sure.

How do I know if I have Full Coverage Car Insurance?

You can check your insurance policy or contact your insurance company to see if you have Full Coverage Car Insurance. It’s important to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t.

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Natasha McLachlan

Insurance and Finance Writer

Natasha McLachlan is a writer who currently lives in Southern California. She is an alumna of California College of the Arts, where she obtained her B.A. in Writing and Literature. Her current work revolves around insurance guides and informational articles. She truly enjoys helping others learn more about everyday, practical matters through her work.

Insurance and Finance Writer

Daniel Walker

Licensed Insurance Agent

Dan Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has been working in his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. He reviews content, ensuring tha...

Licensed Insurance Agent

Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by insurance experts.

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Compare quotes from the top insurance companies and save!

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