What is "Full Coverage" Car Insurance

The idea of "full coverage" auto insurance with complete protection is appealing, but it can be misleading. Because everyone's situation is unique, building a car insurance policy with the right combination of liability and first party coverages is crucial. This ensures you have the coverage you need without paying for anything unnecessary.

To start, there's no standard definition of "full coverage" when it comes to car insurance. Many believe the term refers to a policy that carries both comprehensive and collision coverages in addition to the state required coverages. Howver, a car insurance policy should be personalized to fit your needs based on how much coverage you need to protect you, your property, and your assets. Depending on your situation, your version of full coverage insurance may differ from someone else's.

For help finding what works best for you, check out our Coverage Calculator.

What are the coverages that make up an auto insurance policy?

Auto insurance policies have state-required coverages that include limits you're legally required to have. There are also optional coverages and coverage limits. The required coverages and limits of coverage vary by state. Want to know more about your state? Check out our car insurance requirements by state page for more information.

Common Car Insurance Coverages

Some car insurance coverages are required by your state. Although you must have the minimum limits; you can choose higher limits so your policy will fit your needs.

Liability Coverages

Most states require you to buy liability coverage. That often includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage. These coverages help provide protection if you're at fault in an accident and cause injury or damage to another person or their property.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have liability insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage helps protect you if you're involved in an accident with someone who doesn't have enough insurance to pay for your damages. These coverages may help cover your injuries or property damage.

These coverage requirements and options can vary widely by state. We can help you determine what is required by your state. You may also find information on our car information by state page.

Medical Coverages

Medical payments or personal injury protection coverage are the most common medical coverages. These coverages may assist with medical expenses for you, relatives, and possibly passengers as a result of an accident. The states determine which coverages are required and have different rules about who and what is covered.

There are other car insurance coverages that are not required by your state but can provide you with additional protection. If your vehicle is financed or leased, your lienholder may require you to carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your policy to protect their interest.

Collision Coverage

Collision helps repair or replace your vehicle when it hits or is hit by another vehicle or object, and is available to use regardless of fault.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive is coverage for damage to your vehicle that is not the result of a collision. It covers your vehicle in the event of a theft or vandalism as well as damages resulting from flood, hail, or animals.

Additional Car Insurance Coverages

Additional coverages help you personalize your car insurance policy.

• Rental reimbursement can help with transportation expenses incurred due to a covered loss.
• Emergency roadside service can provide roadside help for tire changes, jump starts, or a tow if necessary.
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance may assist in covering unexpected mechanical repairs.
• Upgraded Accident Forgiveness can provide peace of mind that your rate will not increase due to a covered loss.

Check out the car insurance coverage information page to learn more about these and other available coverages.

How can I customize my car insurance policy to get the "full coverage" I need?

Even though you must maintain the state required coverages, you can still personalize your policy. You may decide to carry higher liability limits than the state minimums for extra protection.

You can also select your deductible amounts on certain coverages. Additionally, you can add coverages to help with roadside service, rental, or even mechanical breakdown.

How much does "full coverage" car insurance cost?

As we mentioned before, there is no standard definition of "full coverage" car insurance. We can help you make sure your policy meets your state's requirements along with your individual situation.

Your premium is affected by the types of coverages, limits, and deductibles you choose. If you are comparing car insurance rates, it is important to keep this in mind.