Collision insurance is a type of car insurance coverage that generally covers any direct or accidental damage to your vehicle from an accident you cause, whether it’s with another vehicle, a tree, guardrail or pole. In some states, like Massachusetts, collision insurance will apply regardless of fault and could even apply in hit and run situations.
What’s covered under collision insurance?
Collision insurance generally covers damage to your vehicle after an accident. If you’re involved in a serious accident where your car is totaled, and you have collision coverage, you could be compensated for the current market value of your vehicle depending on your insurance provider and policy. Luckily, MAPFRE offers accident forgiveness for many drivers, which if purchased, may mean your auto insurance premium won’t increase following an at-fault accident.
Remember, car insurance companies may define collision coverage and the resulting coverage differently. Check with your insurance agent or provider to learn exactly what’s covered by your car insurance policy.
What isn’t covered by collision insurance?
Although collision insurance generally covers damage to your vehicle as the result of an accident, it does not apply in all situations. Collision insurance does not usually cover:
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Hail damage
- Flood damage
- Wind damage or damage from a falling object
- Collision with an animal
- Damage you cause to another person’s vehicle in an accident
To avoid paying out of pocket for these situations, talk with your agent about comprehensive coverage or full coverage when purchasing your auto insurance.
What’s the difference between collision and comprehensive coverage?
Collision insurance generally covers active accidents, where damage to a vehicle is caused by the insured colliding with something like a tree, guardrail or another car.
Comprehensive coverage usually covers passive events where the damage is done to the insured or their vehicle by something like extreme weather, a collision with an animal, vandalism or theft.
Do I need collision insurance on my car?
Although adding collision insurance to your policy may increase your premium, the result is added protection and reduced risk. In Massachusetts, MAPFRE offers limited collision coverage as well. If your vehicle is leased or financed, your lender may require you carry collision insurance on your car.
Additionally, drivers of more expensive cars or ones that maintain value, usually carry collision insurance to avoid having to pay out-of-pocket for substantial repairs. Conversely, an owner of a severely depreciated vehicle that would cost more than it’s worth to fix in an accident may not find collision insurance to be worthwhile.
No one plans to be in an accident where their car is damaged, or worse, totaled. Losing your vehicle can be stressful emotionally and a financial burden that you may not have been planning for. To protect drivers financially, there’s collision coverage.
Learn if you could be saving on your Massachusetts car insurance with MAPFRE Insurance by getting a quote for free! If you’re located in another state, find an independent agent near you using our Agent Locator.
