What's collision coverage, and how does it work?
Collision coverage on your USAA Auto Insurance policy may help pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in a covered accident. It doesn't matter who caused the accident. Whether you rear-end someone or back into a pole, or someone without enough insurance hits your car, your collision coverage may help pay for the damages. Once you pay your deductible, this coverage can help you get back on the road.
What's usually covered?
- Hitting a pole, fence, tree or other object
- Hitting a pothole
- Rollovers
- Collisions with other vehicles
What's not covered?
- Weather events, such as hail and tornadoes
- Medical bills
- Damage to another person's vehicle
- Theft, vandalism and other incidents unrelated to driving
Is collision insurance required?
Most lenders require collision coverage when you lease or finance your vehicle. If you've paid off your car, this coverage may be optional on your car insurance policy. Consider how much your car is worth before removing collision coverage.
How much does collision insurance cost?
Several things affect how much you pay for collision insurance. Your driving record, your car's value, your location and your deductible amount are among things that influence your premium. In some cases, collision coverage is more expensive than comprehensive coverage.
What's the difference between collision, comprehensive and liability coverage?
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Collision coverage may help pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents related to driving.
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Comprehensive coverage may help pay for damage to your vehicle from other events, such as fire, glass damage, theft and animal collision.
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If you cause an accident, liability coverage may help pay for the other person's expenses.
We can help keep you on the road with the auto coverage you need.
What do people mean by "full coverage" for my car?
You may be surprised that full coverage doesn't exist as an option when buying car insurance. Your bank or lender may require it, though. They're usually referring to physical damage coverage including collision and comprehensive, along with the minimum liability coverage amounts that most states and some lenders require. The physical damage coverages can help pay for repairs to your car for covered losses like damage from hitting an object or flooding, and liability may help pay the medical expenses for someone you're responsible for injuring.
How collision deductibles work
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Why do I have more than one deductible?
Most car insurance policies require separate deductibles for comprehensive and collision coverage. You must pay the deductible that applies to the type of claim you have before your policy will pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
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How does my deductible affect my premium?
When you review your car insurance coverage, you can choose to set your collision deductible lower or higher. Collision deductibles range from $0 to $1,000. If you set a lower deductible, you might pay a higher premium.
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What's a collision deductible waiver?
A collision deductible waiver could take care of your deductible if you're hit by an uninsured driver. Most companies charge extra for it, but at USAA it's standard if you include collision coverage on your policy.
Does collision coverage have a limit?
Policies typically pay up to the actual cash value of your vehicle for a covered claim. The value of a vehicle generally goes down or depreciates the longer you own it. Your insurance company may consider your vehicle a total loss if the cost to repair it is greater than the actual cash value.
Did you know?
Collision coverage helps pay for accident-related damages to your rental car. Depending on where you're driving, with collision coverage, you may not have to buy the optional insurance from the rental car company. See where you need rental car insurance.
How can I save on my premium?
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Increase your deductible. Paying more out of pocket may lower your premium.
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Select a different car. Consider a vehicle that won't be too costly to repair, and run quotes on the ones you're looking at.
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Get an anti-theft device.See note1 If you also have comprehensive coverage, having an anti-theft device installed in your car may help lower your car insurance premium.
Get tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Get the other coverage you need.
Have more questions or need to file a claim?
Filing a claim online is easier than ever, but we're here to help. Call 800-531-USAA (8722) ([thats 210-531-]8722)if you have questions. Or visit our car insurance FAQ page to learn more about car insurance.