Liability, collision and comprehensive: what’s the difference?

Liability: damage you cause to others

Auto liability coverage generally addresses covered bodily injury or property damage for which you are legally responsible after a crash. It typically does not pay to repair your own car. Coverage is subject to the policy's terms, limits and exclusions.

States set their own insurance requirements, and minimum limits may not be enough to protect your finances in a serious crash.

Collision: damage to your vehicle from a crash

Collision coverage can help repair or replace your vehicle following a covered collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who was at fault, subject to your deductible and policy terms. It is often optional under state law but may be required by a lender.

Comprehensive: certain non-collision events

Comprehensive coverage generally applies to covered non-collision losses such as theft, vandalism, hail, falling objects or animal strikes, though exact terms vary. It typically comes with a deductible.

Other protection to understand

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, medical payments or personal injury protection, rental reimbursement and roadside assistance address different risks. Requirements and availability vary by state. Ask your insurer to show what each option covers in your state.

What people mean by “full coverage”

“Full coverage” is a casual phrase, not a standardized insurance policy. Often it means liability plus collision and comprehensive, but it does not promise every loss is covered. Always look at the declarations page and policy wording to know what you purchased.