Very Cheap Auto Insurance - Tips That Guarantee Affordable Car Insurance Rates

Friday, July 3, 2009

Auto Insurance Benefits of Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

By Joseph Welusz

Car Insurance Coverage

The most common insurance coverages are collision and comprehensive coverage after your basic liability. In this article you will be shown what is included in collision and comprehensive coverage and the differences between the two coverages. Then when you so online to get free insurance quotes you'll be more knowledgeable.

Collision Coverage

Will pay for damages to your car from hitting another object, such as another car, tree, house or mailbox. This coverage is relatively expensive compared to the other coverages listed in your car insurance policy. Collision coverage is not required by law but may be by your financing or leasing company.

If you have an older vehicle worth less than $2,000, there is little reason for you to purchase collision coverage, because you are likely to pay more money in premium than you would ever receive as a result of a claim. Auto insurance policies only require the company to cover your financial expenses, not to replace your vehicle. In the case of an accident involving an older car, the cost of repairing the car can quickly exceed the worth of the car. In that case, an insurer will "total" the car and pay you what the car was worth rather than fixing it. In severe cases, the worth of the car might not exceed the premiums paid for the coverage.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision) Coverage

It can also be known as other than collision coverage and it pays for almost all other damages to your vehicle. Coverages include vandalism, theft, hitting of animals, fire, severe weather and floods. It will also cover damage to your windshield or windows. It doesn't cost as much as collision coverage and is also optional and not required by law, although it may also be required by your financing or leasing company.

An important thing to consider when purchasing collision and comprehensive coverage is your deductible. Many companies offer zero dollar to $2500 deductibles. The deductible is the amount of money you will pay if you file a claim before the insurance company pays there share. For example, if you have a $500 comprehensive deductible and file a claim for $1300, you pay $500 and the insurance company will pay the remaining $800.

Having a deductible lowers the amount you have to pay for insurance because you are agreeing to take on part of the risk. The insurance companies also likes this because it reduces your chance of filing small claims, which are costly for them to process.

If you buy a new car and take out a loan the lending company will most likely require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage as part of your car insurance. The reason for this is because your vehicle is collateral for the money you borrowed and if they need to repossess your vehicle they need to make sure it will be worth what you borrowed.

If you decide or are required to buy comprehensive and collision coverage you can reduce your cost by agreeing to higher deductible but remember that will be the amount you need to pay before the insurance company pays there share. As the car gets older many people choose to only have comprehensive coverage to protect themselves against other than collision claims. This will help them secure cheap car insurance on an aging vehicle.

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