Ask Milly Because She Knows – Today’s Question – What is Comp and Collision?
Comprehensive and Collision coverage are two optional types of auto insurance in the state of Florida where your insurer pays for repairs to your car after an accident. These two coverages work hand-in-hand to repair or replace most of the damages to your car. It is extremely important that you know the difference between these two kinds of coverage and even more important for you to know exactly what your current car insurance policy covers. If your comp and collision coverage is inadequate, you could be in big trouble if you are ever in a car accident. This is why you need my help. Navigating all of this alone is just far too risky. I have over 29 years of experience in these areas.
Comprehensive Insurance
Comprehensive car insurance covers damages from an “Act of God” or events that are not caused by a car driving into something else. An “Act of God” can include things like damage from a heavy tree branch falling on your car. Since you have no control over when or why a tree branch would fall on your car, this kind of accident is covered under your comprehensive policy.
Types of Damages Covered By Comprehensive Auto Insurance
*Natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, hailstorms, etc.
*Fire, civil commotions, explosions, etc.
*Vandalism and theft
*Damage from impact with animals such as a deer crossing. Note: a crash from swerving to miss that deer will likely fall under collision, not comprehensive insurance.
*Broken or shattered windows or glass
*Falling Objects
*Acts of Terrorism
Policies typically use very vague language when referring to things like acts of terrorism. Again, since these things are out of your control, comprehensive insurance is important to have.
Collision Insurance
Whether your vehicle is involved in a crash with another vehicle or rammed into a fixed structure, you can rely on your collision insurance. There are many benefits of collision insurance, the main one of which is that you can file a claim and receive reimbursement regardless of who is at fault. Collision claims usually get processed faster than property damage claims by insurance companies because the company does not have to spend time or money investigating who was at-fault. Another benefit is that you only deal with your own insurance company, rather than the insurer with
less incentive to pay your claim. Collision insurance can also be used toward your rental car in most cases, which can spare you from having to purchase additional rental car insurance on your policy.
The key difference between comprehensive and collision coverage is that, to a certain extent, the element of the car driver’s control. Remember these insurances are not required by law but driving without them puts you at considerable risk. Any vehicle financed with a balance remaining has a lien on the title from the company who lent you the money to buy the car and they will typically insist that you keep comprehensive and collision coverages on that vehicle until the loan is paid off and the lien is removed from your title.
So much is at stake here and your future and the future of your family may depend on whether you have the right kind of insurance coverage. Don’t let the insurance companies run you over. Let me stand between you. Let me show you what you need so you and your family is safe. I am always available for a free consultation on your insurance policies. Call Milly Athanason, Personal Injury Attorney at 727-376-9100.
