Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Progressive's Comprehensive Plan

Progressive's full coverage auto insurance provides comprehensive protection for your vehicle. It typically includes your state's minimum required car insurance, along with collision and comprehensive insurance. This means that Progressive's full coverage will protect your vehicle from accidents, regardless of who is at fault, as well as non-accident damage, such as vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. It also covers liability claims, which take care of the expenses of others in an accident that you are at fault for. Additionally, depending on your state, Progressive's full coverage may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and/or medical payments coverage.

Comprehensive coverage

The cost of adding comprehensive coverage to your policy will depend on factors such as the value of your vehicle, your personal preferences, and your financial circumstances. If your vehicle has a high cash value or you cannot afford to repair or replace your vehicle out of pocket, comprehensive coverage is a smart choice.

Collision coverage

When you add collision coverage to your auto policy, you'll choose a deductible amount, which is the amount you'll pay out of pocket to repair or replace your car when you file a collision claim. Collision coverage doesn't apply to collisions with animals, which is covered under comprehensive coverage, or injuries or damage you cause to another driver and their vehicle—your liability coverage applies instead.

When deciding whether collision coverage is worth it for your vehicle, consider the following factors:

• The value of your vehicle: If your vehicle is brand new or still worth a considerable amount, collision coverage may be a good idea as it can help you pay for expensive repairs or a replacement if it's damaged.
• Ability to pay out of pocket: If you couldn't afford to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket, collision coverage is worth considering for peace of mind.
• Whether your vehicle is in storage: If your vehicle won't be driven for a long period, such as a boat or RV, you may not need collision coverage while it's in storage.

Liability coverage

For example, if you lose control of your vehicle and hit your neighbour, their car, and their mailbox, your liability coverage can cover your neighbour's injuries and the cost to repair their mailbox and vehicle.

When you purchase a policy with liability coverage, you will choose a coverage limit, which is the maximum amount your policy will pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others. It is recommended that you choose a liability coverage limit that matches or exceeds your total net worth to ensure your assets are adequately protected.

In addition to covering injuries and property damage, liability coverage can also help with legal expenses for accident-related lawsuits. This ensures that you are protected in case of any legal repercussions arising from an accident.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage comes into effect when you are hit by a driver with no auto insurance. In such cases, Progressive's uninsured motorist coverage can pay for medical treatment for you and your passengers, as well as any damage to your vehicle. This coverage is particularly important, given that nearly 13% of drivers countrywide did not have auto insurance in 2019, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Underinsured motorist coverage, on the other hand, is applicable when you are in an accident with a driver whose insurance policy limits are insufficient to cover the damage to your vehicle and your medical bills. In this scenario, Progressive's underinsured motorist coverage can help fill the gap by covering the remaining expenses, up to your policy's limit.

Both types of coverage are typically offered together and are mandatory in many states. Even in states where it is not required, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is highly recommended for all drivers to ensure they are adequately protected.

When considering the amount of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to select, it's recommended to match the bodily injury portion with the amount of your liability coverage. For UMPD, you can choose a limit that aligns with the value of your vehicle.

Personal injury protection/MedPay

Personal injury protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage (MedPay) are two different types of coverage offered by Progressive. While both options cover medical expenses, there are some key differences between the two.

MedPay

MedPay is an optional coverage in most states that can help pay for medical and funeral expenses for you, your family members, or your passengers in the event of a car accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes hospital visits, ambulance fees, surgery, and dental procedures. MedPay limits typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, and it can be added to your auto insurance policy even if you already have health insurance. In fact, MedPay can help cover your out-of-pocket costs associated with your health insurance, such as your deductible. If you don't have health insurance, MedPay can provide financial peace of mind and protect you from the burden of major medical expenses.

PIP

PIP is offered in some states and is required in certain states. It covers medical bills for you and your passengers in the event of a car accident, regardless of fault. PIP may also include additional benefits, such as coverage for lost wages, household services, disability, and rehab benefits. The specific benefits and limits of PIP coverage can vary by state, so it's important to check the requirements and options in your state.

Choosing Between MedPay and PIP

Both MedPay and PIP can provide valuable financial protection in the event of a car accident. MedPay is a good option for those who want to supplement their health insurance and ensure they can cover out-of-pocket medical expenses. On the other hand, PIP offers more comprehensive coverage, including additional benefits beyond medical expenses. PIP is typically required in certain states, while MedPay is usually optional. When deciding between MedPay and PIP, consider the specific benefits offered in your state, your existing health insurance coverage, and your overall financial needs in the event of an accident.

Frequently asked questions