So what does "full coverage" car insurance actually mean?

When financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender may use the term "full coverage." That means they require you to carry comprehensive and collision plus anything else your state mandates. Liability is a mandatory coverage in nearly every state, while comprehensive and collision (physical damage coverages) are optional. However, lenders can have their own rules about the coverages they require. Learn more about car insurance requirements by state and liability vs. full coverage car insurance.

Instead of asking, "Is my car insurance full coverage?" ask your insurance company or agent if you have the right coverages. Paying for every protection offered by your insurance company could get expensive. While your lender may consider the state-minimum liability as sufficient, that may not be enough coverage to protect you and the other drivers on your policy. You might consider customizing coverages for you, your family, and your vehicle.

Here's a quick explanation of what "full coverage" really means and the coverages it entails:*

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Coverage names and availability may vary by state.

Should I add optional coverages?

Even if your lender doesn't require any coverage, a new vehicle is an important investment and should be protected. Comprehensive and collision will pay for damages to your vehicle due to accidents and incidents in and out of your control. If your vehicle's value is minimal (less than $2,000), carrying physical damage coverage may not make sense. Should you decide to select liability coverage only, make sure you'll be able to purchase a new vehicle out of your pocket in the event it's totaled and uninsured.

Extra coverage like roadside assistance or rental car reimbursement is typically inexpensive and can be purchased at your discretion as well.

How much is full coverage insurance?

Adding physical damage protection and other optional coverages will cost more than a liability-only policy. How much more depends on many factors, including the year, make, and model of the vehicle you want to protect, plus the car insurance deductible you select — the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage will decrease if you choose a higher deductible.

Keep in mind that a policy with extensive coverage can be more affordable than you might think, as Progressive offers several car insurance discounts that can help you attain cheap car insurance with the right coverages for you.

Coverages we offer at Progressive

Here's a summary of most auto insurance coverages available at Progressive.* Remember, there's no combination of coverages that we'd call a "full coverage" policy. See our car insurance coverages in more detail.

Coverage Type What it covers
Liability coverage What it covers If you're at fault in an accident, liability coverage pays for damages or injuries you cause to others, plus lawsuit costs if someone sues you, up to your policy's limits.
UMBI/PD coverage What it covers Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance pays for injuries and/or damage to your vehicle, up to specified limits, if a motorist hits you with no insurance or not enough coverage.
Medical payments What it covers Regardless of fault, medical payments coverage can cover medical bills and funeral expenses if you're in an accident. Coverage extends to family members and your passengers. In some states, personal injury protection substitutes for medical payments and covers you similarly.
Comprehensive coverage What it covers If your car is damaged or totaled due to an event out of your control (theft, vandalism, fire, glass breakage, hitting an animal, or weather-related issues), comprehensive coverage can pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus any deductible.
Collision coverage What it covers Collision coverage can pay to repair or replace your vehicle, minus your deductible, if your vehicle collides with a car, motorcycle, tree, guardrail, or any other object — regardless of fault.
Loan/lease payoff coverage What it covers Loan/lease payoff coverage, like gap insurance, can cover the difference between what you owe on your vehicle loan and what the vehicle was worth before it was totaled, up to 25% of your vehicle's value, depending on your state.
Rental car reimbursement What it covers If you're involved in a covered accident and unable to drive your vehicle, rental car reimbursement coverage can reimburse you for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Roadside assistance What it covers If your vehicle is disabled for any reason, roadside assistance provides towing anywhere within a 15-miles radius. If there's not a qualified shop within 15 miles, we'll tow it to the nearest one. If you choose a shop that isn't the closest one, you'll pay the extra mileage. Roadside includes battery jumps, winching, gas delivery, locksmith services, flat tire changes, and more.

Get the right coverage from Progressive

New Progressive customers

Call 1-866-749-7436 or get a car insurance quote online. We'll help you craft a policy that offers the correct protection.

Current Progressive customers

Log in to your policy or call us at 1-866-749-7436 and make sure your coverages are up to date and to your liking.