Collision coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers collisions with other vehicles or objects such as fences, trees, and utility poles. Collision coverage is not legally required, but it may be mandated by your lender or leasing company to protect their investment. When adding collision coverage, you choose a deductible amount, which is the portion of the repair or replacement cost that you pay out of pocket.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of insurance | Collision coverage |
What it covers | Pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it's involved in an accident with a stationary object or another vehicle |
Legally required | No |
Lender requirement | May be required if you're leasing or financing your vehicle |
Cost | Around $32/month on average |
Deductible | You choose a deductible amount, which is the amount you pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement when filing a claim |
Pet injury coverage | Covers up to $1,000 of your pet's vet bills if they're injured in an accident while in your vehicle |
Deductible Savings Bank | Allows you to reduce your deductible by $50 for every claim-and-violation-free policy period |
Vehicles covered | Cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs |
What You'll Learn
Collision coverage is optional
If you own your vehicle outright, the decision to add collision coverage to your policy is entirely up to you. Without collision coverage, you would be responsible for paying for any repairs or replacements out of pocket if you are involved in an accident, whether it is a single-vehicle accident or a collision with another driver.
When considering whether to add collision coverage to your policy, there are several factors to keep in mind. Firstly, think about the value of your vehicle. If your car is brand new or still worth a significant amount, collision coverage can provide valuable protection. It can help you pay for expensive repairs or a replacement if your vehicle is damaged or totaled. On the other hand, if your car has a low market value, the cost of collision coverage may outweigh the potential benefits.
Another important consideration is your ability to pay for repairs or a new vehicle out of pocket. If you don't think you could afford these expenses without insurance, collision coverage is worth considering. Additionally, if your vehicle is in long-term storage and won't be driven for an extended period, you may decide that collision coverage is unnecessary since the chances of a collision are minimal.
Progressive offers collision coverage for various vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, boats, and RVs. Adding collision coverage to your Progressive policy is affordable, with an average cost of around $32 per month. When you add this coverage, you'll choose a deductible amount, which is the portion of the repair or replacement cost that you'll pay out of pocket when filing a claim.
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It covers single-vehicle accidents
Collision coverage is an optional add-on to your auto insurance policy that helps pay for repairs or replacements to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes single-vehicle accidents, such as colliding with a stationary object like a guardrail, telephone pole, fence, tree, or mailbox. If you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender may require you to add collision coverage to your policy to protect their investment.
In the event of a single-vehicle accident, collision coverage can provide financial protection by covering the cost of repairs or replacement of your vehicle. This can be especially useful if you are unable to afford these expenses out of pocket. For example, if you accidentally hit a street sign or utility pole and cause $5,000 worth of damage to your car, collision coverage can help mitigate the financial burden. Depending on your chosen deductible, your insurance company will cover the remaining cost after you pay your portion. In this example, if your deductible is $500, your insurance company will pay up to $4,500 towards the repairs.
It's important to note that collision coverage does not include accidents involving animals, which are covered under comprehensive coverage. Additionally, it does not cover injuries or damage caused to another driver and their vehicle; these would typically be covered under liability coverage.
When deciding whether to add collision coverage to your Progressive auto insurance policy, consider factors such as the value of your vehicle and your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle out of pocket. Collision coverage can provide peace of mind, especially if you are concerned about unexpected repair bills. It ensures that you won't have to bear the full financial burden of repairing or replacing your vehicle after a single-vehicle accident.
By understanding the benefits and limitations of collision coverage, you can make an informed decision about whether to include it in your Progressive auto insurance policy, particularly if you want protection against the financial consequences of single-vehicle accidents.
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It covers collisions with objects
Collision coverage is a type of insurance that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This includes collisions with objects such as trees, fences, utility poles, street signs, and guardrails. Collision coverage is optional and not required by law in any state, but it is often required by lenders or leasing companies to protect their investment.
If you are in an accident with an object, collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement. For example, if you back into a fence post or hit a tree, collision coverage can provide financial protection. The coverage applies to a wide range of objects that you may encounter on the road or in a parking lot, such as mailboxes, telephone poles, and even potholes.
It's important to note that collision coverage typically does not include damage caused by animals, which is usually covered under comprehensive coverage. Additionally, it does not cover damage to your vehicle caused by events outside of your control, such as natural disasters or vandalism, which may also be covered under comprehensive coverage.
When deciding whether to add collision coverage to your auto policy, consider the value of your vehicle and your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement out of pocket. Collision coverage is particularly useful for newer, more expensive vehicles or older vehicles that still maintain good value. It provides peace of mind, knowing that you won't have to bear the full financial burden of repairs or replacement in the event of an accident with an object.
In summary, collision coverage is an important aspect of auto insurance that can provide financial protection in the event of a collision with an object. While it is not legally required, it is often mandated by lenders and leasing companies and offers valuable coverage for vehicle owners.
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It doesn't cover animal collisions
Collision coverage is an optional insurance policy that helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It covers collisions with other vehicles and objects such as fences, trees, and utility poles. While collision coverage is not legally required, it may be mandated by your lender or leasing company.
However, it is important to note that collision coverage does not extend to animal collisions. If you collide with an animal, such as a deer, your insurance policy's comprehensive coverage will come into effect. Comprehensive coverage is designed to protect against damage caused by events outside of your control, and animal collisions fall under this category. This type of coverage is also optional, but it is often required by lenders if you are leasing or financing your vehicle.
It is worth noting that Progressive's collision coverage does offer some protection for your pets if they are injured in a car accident while riding with you. Their coverage can pay up to $1,000 of your pet's veterinary bills in such cases.
While collision coverage does not apply to animal collisions, it is still an important aspect of your insurance policy. It provides financial protection in the event of accidents involving other vehicles or stationary objects. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, is designed to cover incidents that are beyond your control, such as animal collisions.
To summarize, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage are two distinct types of protection offered by insurance companies like Progressive. Collision coverage deals with accidents involving vehicles and objects, while comprehensive coverage addresses incidents outside your control, including animal collisions. Understanding the differences between these coverages will help you make informed decisions about your insurance policy.
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It's not required by law
Collision coverage is not required by law in any state. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender may require it to protect their investment. In this case, collision coverage is mandatory until the contract ends.
If you own your vehicle outright, collision coverage is not necessary. However, it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event of an accident. Collision coverage can help pay for expensive repairs or a replacement vehicle if your car is damaged or destroyed in a collision. This type of insurance is especially useful if you cannot afford to pay for repairs or a new vehicle out of pocket.
The decision to opt for collision coverage depends on several factors, including the value of your vehicle, your ability to pay for repairs or a replacement, and whether your vehicle is in storage. If your car is brand new or worth a considerable amount, collision coverage can be a wise investment. On the other hand, if your car is old or has a low market value, the cost of collision coverage may outweigh the potential benefits.
It's important to note that collision coverage has its limitations. It does not cover damage caused by animals, weather events, or theft. Additionally, it does not cover injuries or damage caused to another driver and their vehicle—these would fall under liability coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
Collision coverage is a type of insurance that helps pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle if it collides with another object or vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. This can include collisions with stationary objects, such as fences, trees, or utility poles, as well as with other vehicles.
Collision coverage is not legally required in any state. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender or leasing company may require it as part of their agreement to protect their investment.
Collision coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement of your vehicle in the event of a single-vehicle accident or a collision with another vehicle. It may also cover damage caused by your vehicle rolling over, even if a collision was not involved. Collision coverage does not apply to animal strikes or damage caused by events outside your control, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.
Collision coverage includes a deductible, which is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement of your vehicle. Your insurance company will cover the remaining costs. For example, if you have a $500 deductible and the repairs cost $5,000, your insurance company will pay up to $4,500.