What is "full coverage" car insurance?
"Full coverage" is a term sometimes used to describe a car insurance policy that includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage, since it provides broad protection in a variety of situations. Insurers generally don't use the term because it can mislead policyholders into thinking they have 100% coverage in all situations.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
What does full coverage car insurance mean?
The term generally refers to carrying liability, comprehensive, and collision, plus any other coverages your state mandates:
- Liability is a mandatory coverage in nearly every state that can protect you financially for injuries or property damage you cause in an accident.
- Comprehensive and collision are optional coverages that can financially protect your vehicle from physical damage. However, your lender or lease holder may require you to carry them.
Learn more about the differences between liability-only and full coverage car insurance.
Here's a quick explanation of what "full coverage" means and the coverages it may refer to:*
Coverage names and availability may vary by state.
Which coverages can I add to my car insurance?
These are the auto insurance coverages insurers generally offer, though certain coverages, such as personal injury protection (PIP), may only be offered in some states. Remember, there's no combination of coverages that we'd call a "full coverage" policy.
Want to learn which coverages you're required to have? Look up car insurance requirements by state.
| Coverage Type | Required or optional |
|---|---|
| Liability coverage | Required or optionalRequired in nearly every state |
| UMBI/PD coverage | Required or optionalRequired in some states |
| Medical payments | Required or optionalRequired in some states |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Required or optionalRequired in some states |
| Comprehensive coverage | Required or optionalMay be required if leasing or financing your vehicle |
| Collision coverage | Required or optionalMay be required if leasing or financing your vehicle |
| Gap insurance | Required or optionalOptional, Progressive offers a similar coverage known as loan/lease payoff coverage |
| Rental car reimbursement | Required or optionalOptional |
| Roadside assistance | Required or optionalOptional |
| Personal vehicle protection | Required or optionalOptional |
See all car insurance coverages we offer at Progressive.
Do I need full coverage car insurance?
Even if your lender doesn't require any coverage, newer vehicles typically cost more to repair, let alone replace, so carrying comprehensive and collision are worth considering. If your vehicle's value is minimal, carrying these coverages may not make financial sense. But you should consider whether you can afford to buy a new vehicle yourself before dropping these coverages.
Other optional coverages, like roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and personal vehicle protection are also worth considering to ease the inconvenience of a breakdown or accident.
Example:You cause an accident that totals your car, valued at $15,000. Your liability coverage pays for the damage to the other driver's car, while your collision coverage pays out $15,000 (minus your deductible) to help replace your car. Without collision coverage, you'd have to pay for a new vehicle entirely out of pocket.
How can I fit full coverage car insurance into my budget?
There are a few ways you can lower your rate while still carrying more robust coverage:
- Raise your deductibles: If you have comprehensive and collision, raising your deductibles will raise your out-of-pocket cost for claims while also lowering your rate.
- Earn more discounts: Bundling your home and auto policies may save you more on your two biggest insurance bills. You can also find discounts for auto pay.
- Try Snapshot: Enrolling in Snapshot can lower your rate if you drive safely, such as avoiding hard braking and late-night driving.
- Assess your needs: Use our car insurance coverage calculator to see which coverages you need and which you may consider dropping.
Take a look at more car insurance discounts and strategies to get cheaper car insurance.
How do I know if I have full coverage?
You can typically find a full list of the coverages you have by logging in to your policy using your insurer's mobile app or online account portal and viewing your vehicle's coverage details. The overview section of your policy's declarations page may also list all your coverages. If you see both collision coverage and comprehensive coverage (sometimes referred to as "other than collision" coverage in certain states) listed under your vehicle, then you're covered for physical damage.
Taking a longer look at your policy? Learn more about how to read an insurance policy.
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