Collision Insurance vs. Comprehensive Coverage in Florida

Gregg Hollander | January 8, 2024 | Car Accidents

Regarding car insurance in Florida, navigating the various options can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with insurance jargon. Dealing with car insurance can be confusing. 

Knowing the difference between collision insurance and comprehensive coverage can help make understanding car insurance easier.  

Collision Insurance in Florida

Collision insurance in Florida covers damages to your car resulting from a crash with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. This coverage can prove invaluable, especially considering that one in eight drivers in the state is uninsured. 

To get collision insurance, just call your current car insurance company. They’ll look at how old you are and how much your car is worth to determine how much coverage you need. The cost of this insurance depends on how much you’re willing to pay as a deductible each time. This can make your monthly payments lower or higher.

Collision insurance pays for damages caused by negligence in situations like accidents with other cars, hitting objects, running into buildings or potholes, hitting things like trees or poles, or if your vehicle flips over.

Comprehensive Coverage in Florida

On the other hand, comprehensive auto insurance is devised to cover damages to your vehicle that are not covered by collision insurance. This type of insurance safeguards you if someone is injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault. 

If you’re renting or financing your car, your lender might require you to get comprehensive insurance. Like with collision insurance, you can choose how much you want to pay as a deductible to adjust your monthly payments.

Comprehensive insurance covers damages from vandalism, theft, falling objects, collisions with animals, natural disasters (such as floods or hurricanes), or even fires.

Comparing Costs of Insurance Policies 

The Department of Transportation states that, on average, collision insurance in the United States costs about $500 annually, while comprehensive insurance costs around $100. The price difference is because there’s a higher chance of accidents where you crash into something, and those accidents can be more expensive to fix.

What Insurance Is Required in Florida?

In Florida, drivers are required to have a minimum of $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and a minimum of $10,000 in Property Damage Liability (PDL) insurance. PIP covers 80% of medical expenses, up to $10,000 for a covered injury related to the crash. PDL pays for the damage done to another’s vehicle. Proof of PIP and PDL coverage is required to register a vehicle in Florida. 

It’s essential to be mindful that accidents happen when you least expect them. Having both types of insurance coverage allows you to be better protected in the event of an accident. 

A Car Accident Attorney Can Help You Understand Car Insurance in Florida

Accidents can sometimes be complicated, and it’s hard to tell what your insurance policy covers. In these situations, call your insurance company right away. They will look at all the details and decide which type of coverage applies.

Here’s what to do after an accident:

1. Contact the police and file an accident report.
2. Document the scene by taking pictures of damages and the accident site.
3. Collect contact information from witnesses.

If you have an accident in Florida and need help with your insurance or making a claim, contact an experienced car accident attorney. 

Knowing the difference between collision insurance and comprehensive coverage in Florida is vital. It can have a major impact on car insurance choices and coverage. 

To ensure you have the right coverage for your needs, consult with an experienced car accident attorney.

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in South Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, please contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Florida at Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

We proudly serve Palm Beach County, Broward County, and its surrounding areas:

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Boca Raton Law Office
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd #500
Boca Raton, FL 33433
(561) 347-7770

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – Fort Lauderdale Law Office
200 S.E. 6th Street #203
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 287-0566

Hollander Law Firm Accident Injury Lawyers – West Palm Beach Law Office
319 Clematis St #203
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 556-7873