This is a common question on our website because the term is often used by lienholders and loss payees to verify that a car is "fully covered".

Unfortunately, it is a very subjective term that can have different meanings to different individuals, companies or additional interests in an insurance contract. "Full coverage" does not mean every possible injury, liability exposure or part on your vehicle is covered.

Many people that buy full coverage and then need to make a claim are upset because they aren't really fully covered. It would be hard to buy a policy where you are fully covered against ever exposure but you can protect yourself from the most common exposures. Be sure to review our article titled, How Much Car Insurance Should You Buy?

Each state is different, but typically when you request full coverage you get collision and comprehensive coverage along with other required coverage (PIP and/or liability). Some companies automatically package this along with UM/UIM and/or MED PAY.

You can read our coverage definitions in the learning center to understand how these coverages protect you.

Understand that some packages include rental car reimbursement coverage and/or towing coverage. Be aware that come rental car reimbursement policies only cover you after you have been involved in an accident and made a claim toward you physical damage coverage.

Today a customer was buying a policy and they asked me if they were buying "full coverage." It is hard for any agent to say that you are fully covered, but most agents simply consider coverage for a vehicle as full coverage.