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When it comes to insuring your car, auto insurance can be confusing, especially when two coverages seem to overlap or when the terms are unclear. Comprehensive and collision coverage are prime examples of this confusion. Both protect your vehicle, but in very different ways. Understanding the distinction can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises when working with Renee Oliver Insurance Agency Inc., serving Silver Spring, MD.
What Collision Coverage Does
Collision coverage applies when your car physically hits something or gets hit. This could involve another vehicle at an intersection, a fence you accidentally back into, or even a pole in a parking lot. Fault isn’t the issue here, as the damage is covered either way. Typically, you’ll pay your deductible, and the policy covers the rest up to your car’s value. Many drivers rely on collision coverage because accidents, both big and small, happen more often than we’d like to admit.
Where Comprehensive Coverage Fits
Comprehensive coverage is designed for events outside of collisions. It covers damage from theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, or falling objects. It even applies if you hit an animal, which is a common claim in rural areas. Many policies also use comprehensive coverage for glass damage, such as a cracked windshield. If the incident isn’t a crash but still harms your vehicle, comprehensive coverage is usually what applies.
Why Both Work Together
Some drivers assume they can choose one type of coverage and skip the other, but this can leave significant gaps. Collision coverage won’t help if a Maryland storm drops a tree branch on your hood, and comprehensive coverage won’t pay for repairs after a fender bender.
While comprehensive and collision coverage may sound similar, together they create a stronger safety net, keeping you on the road with fewer worries. Want to learn more? Contact your insurance representative at Renee Oliver Insurance Agency Inc., serving Silver Spring, MD, today.