What is auto collision coverage?
Auto collision coverage helps cover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged or destroyed in a collision, minus your deductible. It applies when you hit another vehicle or structure such as a fence, tree, or mailbox. It may also cover vehicle damage after a rollover, even if you didn't hit anything.
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Key takeaways
Auto collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle after hitting another car or object
It also applies to single-vehicle accidents, such as a rollover or hitting a tree
Comprehensive coverage pays for collisions with animals, not collision coverage
Is auto collision coverage required?
Auto collision coverage isn't legally required in any state, but your finance company typically requires it if your car is leased or financed. If you've paid off your vehicle and own it outright, you're never required to carry collision coverage on your auto insurance policy.
What does auto collision insurance cover?
Auto collision coverage can pay for damage caused by multi- and single-vehicle accidents, including:
Collisions with another car
If you're in a car accident, auto collision coverage can pay for repairs to your vehicle. If your vehicle is totaled, it can pay up to the actual cash value of your vehicle (your collision deductible applies in both cases). Auto collision coverage applies regardless of whether you're at fault or not.
Example:A car sideswipes you while changing lanes, resulting in damage to your driver side door. Your collision coverage pays to repair your door, minus your collision deductible.
Collisions with an object or single-vehicle collisions
If you hit an object, whether it's a tree or a telephone pole, your collision coverage can pay to repair the damage to your vehicle.
Example:You back into a utility pole and damage the back of your vehicle. In that case, collision coverage may pay to repair your rear bumper and any related damage.
Collision with an uninsured driver
If you're hit by a driver with too little or no insurance, collision coverage may cover part or all the damage to your vehicle. Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage coverage can also pay for damage to your vehicle in this scenario.
Example:Your car is totaled after getting hit by a driver who doesn't have insurance. You don't have uninsured motorist coverage, but you do have collision coverage. Your collision coverage pays out the actual cash value of your vehicle, minus your deductible, which you can put toward buying a replacement vehicle.
What's not covered?
Collision coverage doesn't apply to:
- Damage to your vehicle unrelated to driving, such as hail, flood damage, theft, or vandalism, which may be covered under comprehensive coverage
- Animal strikes, such as hitting a deer — comprehensive may cover this as well
- Damage you cause to another driver's vehicle, which may be covered under your liability coverage
- Medical bills, which medical payments coverage or personal injury protection may cover
Pro tip:
Collision coverage is different from comprehensive coverage (also known as "other than collision" coverage). Comprehensive coverage applies to unexpected or unavoidable damage, such as a tree falling on your car. Collision only applies to damage resulting from hitting another vehicle or object. Learn more about the differences between comprehensive and collision coverage.
How much does collision coverage cost?
At Progressive, collision costs just $45 per month on average,* and 80% of Progressive auto customers countrywide add collision coverage to their policy. It's an affordable and popular way to cover your vehicle. Keep in mind that what you pay for collision may vary based on your driving record, claims history, and other factors.
Learn more about what impacts your car insurance rate.
How deductibles work with collision coverage
When you file a collision claim, your insurer will deduct a pre-determined amount from your claim payout, known as your "deductible." This applies after your insurer has investigated and approved your claim. It's essentially the amount you pay out of pocket for repairs or to replace your vehicle if it's totaled.
Here's a more detailed look at how car insurance deductibles work.
When can you drop auto collision coverage?
You shouldn't drop collision coverage if you lease or finance your vehicle. But if you own it outright, then you could consider dropping collision if your vehicle is worth less than a few thousand dollars or isn't driven by anyone. Learn more about when you might consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.
How to file an auto collision claim
1. File a claim with your insurer
Contact your insurer to file a claim. In most cases, you can file online, via a mobile app, or over the phone. Your insurer will need details about the accident, such as the location, date, and time, as well as photos or video of the damage to support your claim.
2. Work with your adjuster
Your insurer may assign an adjuster, depending on the severity of the claim. Work with them to ensure they have all the information they need to investigate the claim and assess the cost of repairs.
3. Get a check and make repairs
If your claim is approved and your car is repairable, either you or the repair shop will receive a check to pay for the repairs, minus your deductible. You can typically choose your own repair shop, but some insurers may have you take your vehicle to a preferred garage near you.
If your vehicle is totaled, you may receive a claim payout for the actual cash value of your car, minus your deductible.
Looking for more info? Here's a detailed guide to filing an auto insurance claim.
Frequently asked questions about auto collision coverage
How does collision coverage apply after an accident?
You can file a collision claim after an accident, regardless of who is ultimately found at fault. Your insurer will investigate the accident and the damage to your car to determine if collision applies or not. If the damage is covered under collision, then you'll receive a check for the repairs or the actual cash value of your vehicle (if your vehicle is totaled) minus your deductible.
Is auto collision coverage worth it for an older car?
If the actual cash value of your car is low, it may not be necessary to carry collision coverage. This is particularly true if you have a large deductible. Suppose your car is worth $2,000 and your deductible is $1,500. The most your insurer will pay out on a collision claim is $500.
When your older vehicle gets to the point where you would replace it instead of repairing it after an accident, collision coverage may not be worthwhile. However, if you couldn't afford to pay for repairs or a new vehicle in the event of an accident, collision coverage is worth considering.
Does collision coverage include hit-and-runs?
Yes, hit-and-runs are generally covered under collision coverage. Simply file a claim as normal and your insurer will investigate the damage and help pay for repairs if your claim is approved.
Does collision cover damage in parking lots?
Yes, if your car is hit while parked or while driving through a parking lot, collision can help cover the damage to your vehicle, even if the culprit is unknown.
Does collision apply if I'm at fault?
Yes, collision coverage applies even if you're at fault for an accident.
Does collision apply if I hit a pole?
Yes, your collision coverage can pay for repairs or a new vehicle (if totaled) after hitting a pole.
How to get collision coverage
New Progressive customers
Call 1-866-749-7436 or get an auto insurance quote online and see how affordable collision coverage can be with Progressive.
Current Progressive customers
You can easily add collision coverage to your vehicle by logging in to your policy or calling us at 1-866-749-7436.
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