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C. Don Filer Agency Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

How to Determine If You Need Comprehensive or Collision Coverage On Your Auto Policy


Whether you are searching for car insurance, shopping for a lower car insurance rate or just need a new plan, you’ve come to the right insurance agency.  Our agents will shop to find the best insurance rate & coverage for your specific needs. Plus, we can search for many discounts, particularly if you are bundling multiple policies like an auto & home or renters insurance together.

 When it comes to shopping for car insurance, there are many options for coverage. You could get the bare minimum for car insurance or you could have full coverage for your policy. Each state varies with what is required for minimum car insurance coverage but the minimum will include bodily injury liability & property damage coverage, it is up to you to decide how much of it.

 What about collision & comprehensive coverage for your auto insurance policy?

 Collision insurance coverage will cover your vehicle if it is damaged when it collides with something. Examples: colliding into another vehicle, a tree or a guard rail. Your insurance coverage will pay for repairs or even replacement of your vehicle in the event of a total loss.

 Comprehensive insurance coverage covers most other damages besides collision that could happen to your vehicle. Example: your car catches on fire, something falls on your car like a tree, collisions with an animal, your car gets vandalized or you experience car theft. There are a few exclusions, so be sure to discuss with your agent what those might be.

When it comes to deciding if this coverage is worth it, a few things to ask yourself:

  • If I didn’t have this coverage, do I have the finances to pay out of pocket for the repairs or replacement of my vehicle?
  • Do I have a loan? If so, comprehensive and collision coverage will be required by your finance company.
  • How valuable is my car? Would it be possible to replace your car if you didn’t have the insurance to pay for it?
  • Do I live in an area where car theft is common?

It is important to understand that all coverage and policy questions are specific to the policy that you purchase. This article has been provided to help you understand how insurance works and does not imply every policy is the same or that coverage will exist. If you have more questions about your auto insurance policy talk to one of the licensed agents at C. Don Filer Insurance. We understand that insurance can be confusing, so we always want to make sure you fully understand what you are or are not covered for.