Is full coverage really full?

It can be difficult to navigate all of the different car insurance coverages out there. While adding minimum coverage can save you money, full coverage car insurance offers the best protection.

Finding the best Florida car insurance coverage does not have to be difficult. Shop around and compare multiple companies to find the best coverage with the lowest rates.

Keep reading to learn more about full coverage auto insurance. Enter your ZIP code now to compare free full coverage car insurance quotes from companies in your area.

What is full coverage insurance?

You have heard the term full coverage car insurance before, but it might not mean what you think. There is actually no such thing as insurance with full coverage. However, it usually refers to adding liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages to your policy.

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Liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages are very different and offer different protections. You will need all of them to fully protect your car.

Liability coverage helps pay for bodily injuries and property damage that you cause to other people. For example, if you hit another car, liability covers damages to the other vehicle and any injuries.

Collision, on the other hand, pays for damages to your vehicle if you cause an accident. For example, if you hit a fence, collision helps repair your car.

Comprehensive also pays for damages to your car but not from an accident. This coverage includes damages from fire, theft, vandalism, animals, falling debris, and acts of nature such as tornadoes, hail, and hurricanes.

When it comes to liability vs. full coverage, the main difference is whether or not your vehicle is protected.

You can also add coverages such as uninsured/under-insured motorists. According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 12% of drivers do not have insurance at all.

Uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage helps pay for damages to your vehicle if the person who caused the damage either does not have insurance or has very low limits.

How much is full coverage insurance?

There are many different factors that affect your car insurance rates, such as your age and driving record. How much coverage you choose also affects your rates. More coverage equals higher rates.

This table shows you average annual rates from top car insurance companies based on how much coverage you carry.

Although high or full coverage is more expensive, it also offers much more coverage. While low or liability-only coverage rates are less, you will be left paying for damages to your vehicle yourself, which can be much more expensive in the long run.

What does full coverage car insurance not include?

Although the term full coverage implies that you are completely covered for everything, that is not really the case.

Coverages not included in full coverage car insurance include:

• Medical payments
• Personal injury protection
• Uninsured/under-insured motorist
• Roadside assistance
• Rental cars
• GAP
• Customer or classic cars

You will need to add these coverages individually in order to have more complete coverage.

How do you know what car insurance coverage you need?

Most states require drivers to have at least a minimum amount of car insurance. However, those coverages and limits are usually very low and pay for very limited damages.

Most drivers add more coverage and increase limits to certain their insurance will cover them if needed. Each driver will have different needs so car insurance isn’t one size fits all.

How much insurance coverage do I need?

First, consider your vehicle. If it is new, expensive, or custom, it will cost more to repair or replace. You will need to have enough coverage in place to help with damages. If your car is older or not worth much money, you may lower limits and skip some coverages.

Next, think about your financial situation. If you are unable to pay to have your car repaired yourself, you will want to add collision and comprehensive coverages. Although your car insurance rates will be a little higher, it will save you large out-of-pocket expenses for damages.

These two factors will determine what coverages you need and what your limits need to be.

How can you save on full coverage car insurance?

There are several ways you can save money and still get the full coverage insurance that you need.

First, raise your deductibles. A deductible is the amount of money that you pay before your insurance begins to pay for damages. Usually, deductibles range from $500-$1,000, and you get to choose the amount. However, the higher your deductible, the lower your rates.

Second, take advantage of car insurance discounts. Most insurance companies offer multiple discounts that can be bundled for the most savings. For example, common car insurance discounts include multi-car, multi-policy, safe driver, good student, and even discounts for your car’s safety features.

Next, shop around for car insurance. Every insurance company will look at your personal factors differently and offer very different rates. While one company may be willing to overlook that minor accident, another will charge you higher rates. Compare multiple companies to find the best deal.

Full Coverage: The Bottom Line

While there really is not full coverage car insurance, the term usually means liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. These coverages protect not only other drivers but also protects your vehicle. Other coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage will need to be added separately.

Although full coverage is more expensive, you can lower rates by raising your deductible, taking advantage of discounts, and shopping around for the best deal.

If you are looking for full coverage insurance, enter your ZIP code now to compare free quotes from car insurance companies that offer full coverage near you.