Compare Full Coverage Car Insurance: Rates, Discounts, & Requirements [2023]

If you’ve heard car insurance companies refer to full coverage, it sounds like it’s just one coverage added to your policy. However, full coverage consists of different coverages that offer the most protection.

Liability car insurance, collision, and comprehensive comprise full coverage car insurance, and each one covers different types of damage.

While full coverage is recommended, some drivers won’t need the added protection. On the other hand, drivers with a car loan or lease may not have a choice in their coverages.

Keep reading to learn what full coverage car insurance covers and how to find cheap full coverage car insurance.

What is full coverage car insurance?

You’ve probably heard someone say they have full coverage car insurance. So, what does full coverage mean?

Full coverage usually refers to a single line item added to your insurance policy. However, full coverage consists of multiple coverages combined to offer a higher level of protection.

Full auto insurance coverage combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Let’s walk through each of those to give you an idea of what is covered.

First, most states require drivers to carry liability coverage. Liability includes property damage and bodily injury coverages to others if you cause an accident. However, it doesn’t offer protection for your vehicle.

Collision coverage is another component of full coverage. It pays for vehicle repairs, whether the damage comes from hitting another car or an object such as a tree.

Finally, there is comprehensive coverage. Comprehensive pays for damage unrelated to an accident, such as vandalism, fire, theft, falling debris, and natural events like hail, floods, and tornadoes.

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What does full coverage cover in my state?

Every state has different car insurance requirements. While most require liability coverage, some states also require medical payment, personal injury protection, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages.

These additional coverages are put in place to protect drivers. For example, according to the Insurance Information Institute, around 13% of drivers are uninsured. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for car repairs if a driver hits you with little or no insurance coverage.

How much are full coverage car insurance rates?

Better coverage often yields higher rates. So, how much is full coverage insurance?

This table shows average annual rates from top companies based on coverage type. Compare low or liability-only rates with high or full coverage.

Average full coverage car insurance costs are around $30 a month more than liability coverage. However, remember that full coverage also offers much more protection.

Additionally, many factors determine car insurance costs. For example, your age, driving record, credit score, vehicle, and ZIP code all affect how much you pay for car insurance.

Clean up your driving record, improve your credit score, and buy a less expensive car to get cheaper full coverage car insurance rates.

When do you need full coverage insurance?

While full coverage offers the most protection, not every driver needs extra coverage. The best auto insurance coverage for you will depend on many factors, such as your vehicle and where you live.

For example, if your vehicle is older or worth less than $2,000, it may be cheaper for you to save money for repairs instead of paying for extra coverage.

You need full coverage if:

• Your car is new or expensive. Expensive cars are more costly to repair or replace. It may not be possible to cover costs yourself.
• You live in a high-traffic area with vehicle thefts. Add full coverage if you have a higher chance of an accident or having your car stolen.
• You have a car loan or lease. Most lenders require drivers to carry full coverage to protect their investment.
• You live in an area with extreme weather conditions. Comprehensive coverage handles damage caused by weather such as hail, hurricanes, or tornadoes.
• You can’t afford to repair or replace your vehicle. Paying for repairs or a replacement vehicle is very expensive. If you can’t pay out of pocket, have insurance in place to cover the costs.

Keep in mind that you will still have to pay your deductible, even with full coverage insurance. However, paying for repairs yourself will cost you much more.

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How can you save on full coverage car insurance?

Once you determine full coverage is right for you, there are ways to get lower rates. How do I find the cheapest full coverage car insurance rates?

Auto insurance discounts are the most significant way to lower rates. Bundle available savings, such as a good student discount, safe driver discount, and multi-policy discount, to get the lowest rates possible.

This table shows common car insurance discounts from top companies. If available, the savings amount is listed.

In addition to discounts, raise your deductible to lower rates. While you will pay more out of pocket for damage, your overall rates will be lower.

Find the lowest full coverage auto insurance rates by comparison shopping. Compare rates and coverages from multiple companies to find the lowest rates available for you.

Full Coverage Car Insurance: What You Need To Know

Full coverage car insurance consists of liability, collision, and comprehensive. While full coverage car insurance rates are higher, damage to others and your vehicle are covered.

Though not required by states, drivers who drive a new car, have a car loan or lease, or can’t pay for repairs themselves should consider full coverage insurance.

Add discounts, raise deductibles, and shop around to find the lowest full coverage rates available. However, personal factors will also determine rates.

Choose full coverage car insurance to protect others and yourself.

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