Personal Lines

Insurance 101: What is Collision Coverage?

Written by Utica National Personal Lines Team | Sep 18, 2024 12:38:43 PM

Collision coverage is a type of insurance coverage that pays for damage to your vehicle after a collision with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or guardrail. This coverage helps pay for repairs or a replacement vehicle if necessary. This coverage is typically optional on an auto insurance policy – however, if you have a car loan or lease your vehicle, collision coverage is often required by the lender.

Collision coverage will not cover:

  • Damages not related to driving your car (hail, theft, etc.)
  • Damages to another driver’s vehicle
  • Any medical bills associated with the accident

It’s important to know that collision coverage has a deductible, which is the amount of money a policyholder pays before their insurance company starts paying for covered expenses. You can typically choose your deductible amount for collision coverage, with options ranging across different carriers from $0, $500, and $1,000. The higher deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be each month – but a higher deductible means more money you will have to pay out-of-pocket in the event of an accident.

For more information about collision coverage, visit the Insurance Information Institute, or contact your independent agent.

Source: “What is covered by collision and comprehensive auto insurance?” Insurance Information Institute, https://www.iii.org/article/what-is-covered-by-collision-and-comprehensive-auto-insurance. Accessed 10 Sept. 2024.

This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.

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