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Last reviewed: 16 October 2026

Home › Agent guides › Collision vs. comprehensive car insurance

Collision vs. comprehensive car insurance: what each one pays for

Short answer: Both cover your own car, but for different events. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) says collision coverage "pays to repair or replace your car after an accident," while comprehensive coverage "pays if your car is stolen or damaged by fire, flood, vandalism or something other than a collision."[1] If you still owe money on your car, TDI says "your lender will require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage."[1]

This guide compares coverage types only. We don't name, rate or recommend insurers, and we don't sell insurance or pass your details to anyone.

Side by side

CollisionComprehensive
What TDI says it pays for"to repair or replace your car after an accident"[1]if your car is "stolen or damaged by fire, flood, vandalism or something other than a collision"[1]
Examples TDI givesAfter an accident"fire, hail, theft, flood, flying gravel, or hitting an animal"[1]
DeductibleYes. TDI: "You must pay a deductible for collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist claims."[1]Yes (same TDI statement)[1]
Dollar limitTDI: "Collision and comprehensive coverages don't have dollar limits."[1]Same[1]
Required by law in Texas?TDI names liability coverage (30/60/25) as what Texas law requires; it doesn't list collision as a legal requirement[1]Same: not listed as a legal requirement[1]
Required by a lender?Yes, if you still owe money on the car[1]Yes, if you still owe money on the car[1]

How the deductible works

TDI's example: "if you have a $1,500 collision claim and your policy has a $500 collision deductible, the insurance company will deduct $500 from your claim amount and pay you $1,000."[1] TDI also notes, "You don't have to pay a deductible for claims against another driver's insurance company."[1]

When the other driver is at fault

TDI says that if you believe the other driver was at fault but their insurer won't pay, you can file with your own insurer, but "You must have collision coverage to do this."[1]

What it costs depends on the car

TDI: "Collision and comprehensive rates are highest for luxury, high-performance, and sports cars. Rates are also higher for cars that cost more to repair."[1]

If you drop either one on a financed car

TDI warns that if you cancel or lose these coverages, "your lender will buy single-interest coverage and add the cost to your loan payment. This coverage is expensive and protects only the lender."[1]

Not sure what your policy includes?

Coverages vary by policy. TDI's advice is to "Read your policy or talk to your agent to be sure of your exact coverages."[1] Before you buy from an agent, you can check their licence yourself on your state's official lookup: see How to check if an insurance agent is licensed. We never say whether anyone is licensed; the state's record is the final word.

Related: Liability vs. full coverage car insurance · How to file an insurance complaint with your state

FAQ

Does collision cover hitting a deer?

TDI lists "hitting an animal" under comprehensive, not collision.[1] Check your own policy wording.

Does comprehensive cover hail damage?

TDI lists hail among the things covered "if you have comprehensive coverage."[1]

Do I need collision and comprehensive on an older car I own outright?

TDI's guide says a lender requires them when you still owe money on the car. It doesn't say they're required otherwise.[1] Whether they're worth it for you is a personal decision; your state insurance department's consumer guide can help.

Is "full coverage" the same as collision plus comprehensive?

TDI's guide doesn't define "full coverage." See Liability vs. full coverage car insurance.

These rules are from Texas. Do they apply in my state?

The coverage definitions are TDI's. Legal minimums and some rules differ by state, so check your own state insurance department (NAIC: state insurance departments).

References

  1. [1] Texas Department of Insurance, "Auto insurance guide" (publication cb020), https://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/consumer/cb020.html (page "Last updated: 12/11/2025"; accessed 2026-10-16). Quotes are TDI's wording, with straight apostrophes.

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