“Full coverage” car insurance is a term often used to describe a combination of different types of insurance coverage that together provide a wide range of protection for a vehicle. It doesn’t refer to a single type of insurance, and there’s no official “full coverage” policy. Instead, it typically includes a mix of the following key coverages:

1. Liability Insurance (Required in most states)

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal fees if you’re at fault in an accident that causes injury or death to another person.
• Property Damage Liability: Pays for damage you cause to another person’s property, such as their car, fence, or building.

2. Collision Coverage

• This covers the cost of repairing or replacing your own car after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. It applies to crashes with other vehicles or objects, like a tree or guardrail.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

• Protects your car from non-collision-related damages, such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters (like hurricanes or floods), falling objects, fire, or hitting an animal.

4. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

• Covers you if you’re in an accident caused by someone who doesn’t have insurance or whose insurance isn’t enough to cover the full extent of damages. It can also cover hit-and-run situations.

5. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments (MedPay)

• PIP or MedPay helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of fault. PIP may also cover lost wages and other related expenses.

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What Full Coverage Does Not Mean:

Even though “full coverage” offers extensive protection, it doesn’t cover everything. Common exclusions include:

• Routine maintenance and mechanical repairs: Full coverage doesn’t cover wear and tear, oil changes, or regular mechanical issues.
• Personal items in the car: If personal belongings are stolen from your vehicle, they typically aren’t covered by full coverage. You may need renters or homeowners insurance for that.
• Custom parts or equipment: Upgrades or modifications to your vehicle, like custom wheels or sound systems, may require additional coverage.
• Rental cars or towing services: These are typically not included unless you have extra rental reimbursement or roadside assistance coverage.

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Cost Consideration

“Full coverage” generally costs more than basic liability-only insurance because it offers broader protection. Factors like your driving record, the value of your car, your location, and how much coverage you choose will affect the price. Many people opt for full coverage on newer or more expensive cars, and switch to liability-only as the car’s value decreases over time.

Conclusion

“Full coverage” refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance (and sometimes other coverages) that together provide protection for various types of accidents and damages. However, it’s important to understand what is and isn’t covered and adjust your policy based on your specific needs.