Uninsured motorist property damage vs. collision coverage

The key difference between UMPD and collision coverage is that UMPD only covers damage to your vehicle caused by a driver with little or no insurance. In contrast, collision coverage applies to any damage to your vehicle caused by a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.

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Do I need uninsured motorist property damage if I have collision coverage?

Both uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) and collision coverage can pay for damage to your vehicle caused by an uninsured driver. However, collision coverage applies to damage resulting from a collision with a vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Uninsured motorist property damage will only apply to damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you're primarily concerned about any damage to your vehicle, then collision may make sense for you because it offers coverage in more scenarios. There are a few other differences between collision vs. uninsured motorist coverage that you should consider:

Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD)

Uninsured motorist coverage protects your vehicle and — in some, but not all, states that offer UMPD — belongings in your vehicle from damage by an uninsured or underinsured driver. This type of coverage is a car insurance requirement in a few states, optional in several states, and unavailable in about half of all states. Depending on the state and insurer, UMPD may not include a deductible. In some states, UMPD coverage won't cover a hit-and-run, in which case you'll need collision coverage for protection against this type of accident. Learn more about how insurance covers hit-and-run accidents.

Important note: Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage may include two parts: uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI), which covers injuries to yourself and passengers, as well as uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD), which covers damage to your vehicle and other property. States that require UM coverage may only require UMBI, or UMBI and UMPD together.

Collision coverage

You can file a claim with your auto collision coverage when your car gets hit by an uninsured driver or in other situations that involve a collision, like a single car accident. It can even cover damage to your car when you're at fault in an accident. Collision coverage isn't mandatory in any state but may be required if you're leasing or financing a vehicle. Collision coverage also includes a car insurance deductible.

Do I need uninsured motorist coverage if I have collision and comprehensive?

If you have collision coverage, then you might not need UMPD coverage since you're already covered for accident-related damage to your vehicle. If you have comprehensive car insurance coverage, but not collision coverage, then UMPD is worth considering so you're at least covered for vehicle damage caused by uninsured drivers.

Pro tip:

Even if you don't believe you need UMPD, you should still consider uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (UMBI). UMBI can cover your medical bills after an uninsured driver hits you. It may also cover lost wages if you're forced to miss work due to your injuries.