Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Allstate's Comprehensive Plan Explained

Allstate's full-coverage auto insurance offers comprehensive protection for your vehicle, including liability claims, collision damage, and non-accident-related incidents such as animal collisions and severe weather damage. This type of insurance always includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, but the specific definition of full coverage can vary depending on the state's minimum auto insurance requirements. In some states, Allstate's full coverage may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and medical payments coverage. The cost of Allstate's full-coverage insurance is, on average, $2,438 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Liability claims, collision damage, and non-accident damage

When it comes to full coverage auto insurance from Allstate, it typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. These components are crucial in protecting you financially in different scenarios involving your vehicle. Here's a detailed breakdown of each aspect:

Liability Claims

Liability insurance covers the other party's medical expenses and property damage if you are at fault in an accident. This coverage is essential because it protects you from having to pay out of pocket for the other driver's injuries or vehicle repairs. In most states, liability insurance is mandatory, and Allstate offers various liability coverage options to ensure you are adequately protected. This includes bodily injury liability, which covers the medical expenses of those injured in the other vehicle, and property damage liability, which covers the cost of repairing or replacing the other driver's vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident, such as a fence or building.

Collision Damage

Collision coverage, as the name suggests, covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged in a collision, regardless of who is at fault. This includes accidents with other vehicles, objects, or even if your car rolls over. Suppose you are involved in an at-fault accident and your car sustains significant damage. In that case, collision coverage will pay for the repairs or provide compensation if your vehicle is deemed a total loss. While collision coverage is typically optional, it is highly recommended, especially if you have a newer car or one that is leased or financed.

Non-Accident Damage (Comprehensive Coverage)

Comprehensive coverage insures your vehicle against damage caused by incidents other than collisions. This includes a wide range of scenarios such as natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), fire, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and collisions with animals. For example, if a tree falls on your car during a storm or your vehicle is stolen, comprehensive coverage will help cover the cost of repairs or replacement. Similar to collision coverage, comprehensive insurance is usually optional but highly beneficial to have as part of your full coverage policy.

By combining liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance, Allstate's full coverage auto insurance provides a comprehensive safety net for drivers. It ensures that you are financially protected in various situations, whether you are at fault or not, and covers a broad range of potential damages to your vehicle. It's important to review your policy documents to understand fully the specifics of your coverage, including any deductibles and limits that may apply to each component.

Liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance

Liability insurance covers injuries and damage you may cause to others on the road. It is required by law in most states. "Full coverage" auto insurance is not a real insurance coverage but typically includes all state-required coverages like liability plus coverage for damages to your vehicle (collision and comprehensive coverage). Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a telephone pole or guard rail, or if you roll over. It reimburses you for the costs of repairing your car, minus the deductible. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers damage to your vehicle caused by events other than collisions, such as contact with animals, natural disasters, theft, or fallen objects. While liability insurance is required in most states, collision and comprehensive coverage are optional, although nearly four out of five drivers choose to purchase them.

Liability insurance is essential for protecting yourself financially in the event that you are responsible for an accident. It covers others' bodily injuries and property damage up to your coverage insurance limits. However, it does not cover injuries to you or your passengers, nor does it cover physical damage to your vehicle, even if you are at fault. That's why lenders often require "full coverage," which includes collision and comprehensive insurance, in addition to any state-mandated coverages.

Collision coverage is important because it helps pay for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, even if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver. Comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, offers protection against unexpected events like falling objects or natural disasters. When deciding whether to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage, consider the value of your car, the likelihood of getting into an accident, and your current savings. If you cannot afford to repair or replace your car out of pocket, then purchasing collision and comprehensive coverage is highly recommended.

While collision and comprehensive insurance provide valuable protection for your vehicle, they do not cover your medical expenses or those of your passengers. To ensure you are fully covered in the event of an accident, consider purchasing additional coverages such as medical payments coverage or personal injury protection. Additionally, uninsured motorist insurance can provide coverage if you are in an accident with a driver who has inadequate or no insurance, although this may not be required in your state.

State-specific minimum auto insurance requirements

The minimum auto insurance requirements vary across different states. While most states require drivers to buy the state minimum insurance before getting behind the wheel, there are a few exceptions. New Hampshire and Virginia are the only states that don't mandate car insurance. However, even in these states, there are certain requirements and alternatives in place to ensure financial responsibility in case of accidents.

Alabama

Alabama's minimum car insurance requirements include:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Alaska

Alaska's minimum auto insurance mandates:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Arizona

In Arizona, the minimum requirements are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Arkansas

Arkansas mandates the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

California

California's minimum auto insurance requirements include:

• $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $5,0000 property damage liability per accident

Colorado

Colorado's minimum car insurance mandates:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident

Connecticut

Connecticut requires the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Delaware

Delaware's minimum auto insurance requirements are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Florida

Florida mandates the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Georgia

Georgia's minimum auto insurance requirements include:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

Hawaii

Hawaii mandates the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Idaho

Idaho's minimum auto insurance requirements are:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident

The list continues for all 50 states, with each state specifying its own minimum auto insurance requirements. It's important to note that these requirements are subject to change over time, and it's always a good idea to review the most up-to-date information for your specific state. Additionally, while minimum coverage may be a cost-effective option, it's recommended to consider purchasing higher levels of liability coverage and additional coverages to ensure comprehensive protection.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, personal injury protection, and medical payments coverage

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This type of coverage is designed to protect you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient auto insurance. It is a safety net that ensures you are not left financially vulnerable due to another driver's negligence or lack of coverage. Uninsured motorist coverage becomes crucial if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver, as it covers your injuries, your passengers' injuries, and damage to your vehicle. Underinsured motorist coverage, often offered alongside uninsured motorist coverage, comes into effect when the at-fault driver's insurance is insufficient to cover the damages or injuries they caused.

In many states, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is mandatory, and even in states where it is not, it is highly recommended. The reason for this is simple: it protects you from the financial burden that can arise from another driver's lack of insurance. Without this coverage, you could be on the hook for medical bills or vehicle repairs, even if you file a claim against your own policy.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection (PIP) is a vital component of full-coverage auto insurance. It provides coverage for medical expenses and, in some cases, lost wages resulting from an auto accident, regardless of who is at fault. PIP ensures that you and your passengers receive the medical attention you need without worrying about the financial implications. It is especially valuable if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, as their insurance may not be sufficient to cover your medical costs.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage, often referred to as MedPay, is another essential aspect of full-coverage auto insurance. It specifically covers medical expenses resulting from an auto accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, and even funeral expenses. MedPay can be used in conjunction with your health insurance to ensure that you receive the best possible care without worrying about out-of-pocket expenses.

These three components of full-coverage auto insurance provide a comprehensive safety net that ensures you are financially and medically protected in the event of an accident, especially when involving uninsured or underinsured drivers. It is important to review your policy and understand the extent of your coverage to ensure you have adequate protection.

Average cost of full coverage insurance

The cost of full-coverage insurance varies depending on a variety of factors, including age, location, credit score, driving record, and vehicle type. On average, full-coverage insurance in the United States costs $2,348 per year, or $196 per month, according to Bankrate's research from September 2024. However, this cost can differ significantly based on individual circumstances.

For example, the average cost of full-coverage insurance for a 20-year-old driver is $3,653 per year, while it drops to $1,046 per year for minimum coverage. Drivers with a recent DUI on their record can expect to pay significantly more, with average annual costs of $2,614 for full coverage and $744 for minimum coverage.

Location also plays a significant role in determining insurance costs. The average annual cost of full coverage in Wyoming is $970, while in Florida, it is $3,090. Additionally, insurance providers offer varying rates, with national providers generally being more expensive than regional or local providers.

When considering the cost of full-coverage insurance, it is important to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers, as rates can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and factors.

Frequently asked questions