What Is Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Updated: January 2022

To start, we’ll let you in on a secret: what we refer to as full coverage will not actually provide you coverage in all situations. Full coverage is not an official term, it is just the gold standard that many drivers aim for. Still, here’s what it typically consists of:

1. Liability: Liability coverage kicks in when you are at fault in an accident. Any medical or property damages suffered by the other party will be covered by your liability insurance.
2. Collision: Here, fault doesn’t matter. You are covered in the event of a collision, whether that’s with another car, a structure, or a roadside object.
3. Comprehensive: As above, fault doesn’t matter here. This covers you in any accident that does not involve a collision. Examples include vandalism or damage from natural disasters.

Full coverage offers much more protection than most state minimum requirements -- in fact, many state minimums only require liability. While it will increase your monthly premiums, opting for full coverage is a great way to mitigate financial risk in the event of an accident.

Other Coverage Options to Consider

As we mentioned earlier, full coverage may not provide you with the protection you need in certain accidents. To remedy this, here are just a few of the other types of coverage you might consider to round out your insurance policy:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Also referred to as no-fault insurance, PIP covers your medical bills and lost wages in the event of an accident, regardless of fault. It is required in most no-fault states.
• Medical Payments (MedPay): Similar to PIP, MedPay covers your medical costs after an accident, no matter who is at fault. It does not cover lost wages, however.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): UM coverage has you covered if you get in an accident with a driver who is either uninsured or underinsured, meaning their insurance policy is not robust enough to cover all the damages associated with the accident. Your UM insurance can cover the gap.
• Roadside Assistance: If you experience car trouble, having this can be a huge help. Along with covering the cost of towing, roadside assistance can provide help with tire changes, oil work, battery changes and more.

This list is not exhaustive, but we hope it gives you some ideas about what to look for when you next purchase a policy. The types of car insurance you need and the amounts you should purchase depend entirely on your unique situation -- we always recommend getting the policy that makes you feel the safest on the road.

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