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Car Insurance Question  What exactly is full coverage insurance?

There is really no such thing as 'full coverage". No insurance company should advertise full coverage. Agents may use it as a term to reference physical damage coverage along with the state required coverage.
Most people use this term to refer to physical damage coverage. Physical damage coverage consists of collision and comprehensive coverage. Generally, collision insurance covers damage to your automobile caused by collision with another object or by upset. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your automobile from vandalism, theft or glass breakage. Most lienholders require physical damage coverage if you are financing or leasing your vehicle.

You may be required to carry a specific amount of liability insurance if you are leasing the vehicle rather than financing it. Liability coverage consists of bodily injury coverage and property damage coverage. Bodily Injury Liability covers other people's bodily injuries or death for which you are responsible. Property Damage Liability covers you if your car damages someone else's property.

You can learn more about coverages and definitions here. And you can shop for an insurance policy by getting a car insurance quote here.

Comment Update: Thank you for the added comments to improve our answers. One of our carriers, The Hartford has great extended benefits for "full coverage". Here are some of their added benefits:

  • Auto & Home Account Policy Savings
  • 24 x 7 Claim Reporting Service
  • Countrywide Claim Service
  • 1st Hartford Not-At-Fault Accident Forgiveness
  • 24-Hour Roadside Assistance
  • Legal Representation for Accidents
  • No Deductible Windshield Repair Service
  • Home Ownership Credit
  • Full Range of Deductible Options
  • Full Range of Coverage Limits
  • Customer Repair Service Program (CRSP) w/Life of Vehicle Guarantee
  • Paid in Full or Monthly EFT Required *
  • Disappearing Collision Deductible *
  • Full Value Replacement Cost Coverage *
  • $100 Collision Deductible Waiver w/CRSP *
  • $10,000 Accidental Death Benefit *
  • Deductible Waiver for Not-At-Fault Accident *
  • Accident Forgiveness *
  • Renewal Assurance *
  • Emergency Expense Coverage *

* May vary by program selection
May Vary By State

Comment Update: Regardless of a policy with physical damage or not, it is subject to the guidelines of the policy regarding payment of claims.

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Visitor Comments
car insurance commentsYou should suggest what insurance companies have better customer satisfaction in the specific category of insurance policy. For example which insurance company offers more protection, or more extras in comprehensive coverage. Thank you. LG
car insurance commentsDo most people believe that? Subject to perhaps a deductible and up to the policy limits, "full coverage" means you are subject to full coverage for the loss to your vehicle if it is caused by an accident? After all, the term "full coverage" should not mean "partial coverage" for our loss. I would like the answer and if there are any stactics on the meaning.
car insurance commentsIt excplained the types of coverage, it did not answer what "full coverage" means, and whether "full coverage", subject to the deducible and policy limits, covers the true loss suffered to your vehicle as a result of an accident. Most insurance companies, as I understand it, only covers partial loss you sustained, even if they advertise their coverage as "full coverage".
car insurance commentsGot what I was looking for!
car insurance commentsI totaled my car on July 3, 2008. It was my fault so they say. My question is why did my passenger get paid, but not me. I dont understand. I thought thats why you have full coverage. I have a scar on my left forearm and I also have whip lash. Why is it that I dont get paid for my pain and suffering?
Question Details
This car insurance question was asked on 6/20/2005
This auto insurance answer was last updated on 1/19/2008
Alan requested this car insurance solution.
Rated 7 out of 10 based on 23 votes.
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