Collision auto insurance coverage
Collision insurance coverage helps if you are in an accident. We hope this never happens, but if it does, Root is here for you.
What does Collision auto insurance cover?
Collision insurance pays for covered damages to your vehicle from an accident, regardless of fault. To learn how Collision compares to other types of coverage, explore our overview of car insurance coverage options. Collision car insurance only covers damages from an accident, so, it can be used in a few different situations such as:
You crash into another vehicle
If you cause an accident involving another vehicle, it helps pay for damage to your car, even if you're at-fault.
You hit an inanimate object with your car
If you hit an object like a tree, fence, pole, or guardrail, Collision auto insurance coverage will help pay for damages.
A single-car accident (just you)
If you lose control of your car and crash, Collision helps cover repair or replacement costs.
Another driver hits you and leaves the scene
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident, Collision coverage will help pay for repairs to your vehicle.
What does Collision auto insurance NOT cover?
Collision auto insurance doesn’t cover all types of damage to your vehicle, only damage that comes as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Some damages and situations that are not covered by Collision car insurance include:
Vehicle theft or vandalism damage
Collision auto insurance doesn’t cover any vehicle damage from theft, break-ins, vandalism, or intentional damages like slashed tires or keyed paint. If you want coverage that helps pay for repairs or replacement for these types of incidents, you’ll need a Comprehensive policy.
Weather damage
Collision coverage doesn't cover damage from hailstorms, flooding, or falling trees, but Comprehensive coverage helps protect your vehicle from these events.
Hitting an animal
If you hit a deer or another animal while driving, Collision coverage won't cover the damage, but Comprehensive coverage typically will.
Non-accident fire damage
Collision coverage doesn't cover fire damage unrelated to an accident, but Comprehensive coverage helps pay for covered repairs or replacement.
Damage to other vehicles
Collision coverage pays for damage to your own car, while Property Damage Liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to another driver's vehicle.
Property damage
Collision coverage doesn't pay for damage you cause to someone else's property, but Property Damage Liability coverage helps cover repairs to fences, buildings, and other structures.
Medical bills
Collision coverage doesn't pay for injuries, but Bodily Injury Liability coverage helps cover medical expenses for others when you're at fault in an accident.
Do I need collision car insurance?
If your vehicle is leased, or you had to take out a loan to pay for your vehicle, the leasing company (or lien holder) will likely require it. Otherwise, Collision coverage is not required in any state.
However, without Collision insurance, if you damage your vehicle in an accident, you’ll be paying for vehicle repairs out of pocket.
Whether or not you choose to purchase a collision car insurance policy depends on how comfortable you are financially, and if you think you’d have enough cash available to fix your
How much does Collision car insurance cost?
It depends on your deductible and how comfortable you are paying out of pocket versus paying a higher monthly (or semi-annual) premium. A deductible is how much you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in. You can choose your deductible amount, from as little as $100 to as much as $1,000 or more.
Higher deductible plans
If you choose a high deductible collision insurance plan, your overall car insurance premiums will be lower, but you’ll pay the higher deductible amount per accident.
Lower deductible plans
If you choose a lower deductible option, your overall collision insurance policy is going to cost a little more, but you’ll pay less per accident before your insurance kicks in.
The Collision coverage you need, all in an app
When you use the Root app to customize your coverage, we’ll update your premium cost immediately to show how much your coverage impacts your rate, before you buy.
You can learn about all of our coverage options here.
Collision Car Insurance FAQs
Is Collision insurance required by law?
No, Collision insurance is not required by law in any state. However, if you lease or finance your vehicle, your lender or leasing company will likely require Collision coverage. Without it, you'll be responsible for paying out of pocket for damage to your car after an accident.
Does Collision Coverage cover hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after a hit-and-run accident, even if the other driver can't be identified. You'll typically need to pay your deductible before your insurance covers the remaining eligible repair costs.
Does Collision Coverage cover a rental car?
Collision coverage may extend to a rental car, depending on your policy and the rental agreement. However, this is different from Rental coverage, which helps pay for a temporary rental vehicle while your car is being repaired after a covered accident. Review your policy before renting a car to understand what's covered.
When should I drop Collision Coverage?
You might consider dropping Collision coverage if your car's value is low enough that the cost of coverage and your deductible outweigh the potential benefits. Before removing it, consider whether you could afford to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident. If you lease or finance your car, your lender may require you to keep Collision coverage.
Will my car insurance rate go up if I file a Collision claim?
Filing a Collision claim could affect your car insurance rate, depending on factors like fault, your driving history, and state regulations. A claim doesn't automatically mean your premium will increase. With Root, your driving behavior is the number one factor in determining your rate.
Is Collision insurance the same as full coverage?
No, Collision insurance is just one part of what people typically call full coverage car insurance. While there's no official insurance policy called "full coverage," the term usually refers to a combination of Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive coverage. Collision helps pay for accident-related damage to your vehicle, while the other coverages protect against different risks.
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