Collision insurance pays to repair or replace your car if it’s damaged in a collision with another car or object. This is different from liability insurance, which only pays for damages to other cars and objects when you are at fault.
Jerry has helped 108,625 drivers get collision coverage in the past year and recommends it for drivers who can’t replace their car out-of-pocket in a pinch.
What does collision insurance cover?
| Will cover | Won’t cover |
|---|---|
| Accident with another car. | Hitting an animal. |
| Hitting a stop sign, guardrail or telephone pole. | Falling objects. |
| Flipping your car. | Falling objects. |
| Driving into a ditch or pothole. | Other drivers’ damages. |
The Jerry difference: Compare car insurance quotes in the Jerry app, where you can see personalized quotes in minutes, including the relative costs of collision insurance.
Do you need collision coverage?
If you finance or lease your vehicle, you’ll likely be required by your lender to buy collision coverage. But should you keep it once your loan is paid off? Here’s when you should and when you might not need to consider collision.
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Your car is new or high‑value
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You’re financing or leasingYou’re financing or leasing
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A major repair bill would strain your budget
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You commute in heavy traffic or dense urban areas
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You own an older, low‑value car you can afford to fix/replace
Jerry recommends: On the fence? Compare your car’s value to your deductible using the Jerry app, where you can also look up a realistic repair bill. If that out‑of‑pocket would sting, collision is worth a look.
Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.
How much does collision coverage cost?
Collision insurance is most cost-effective when bundled with comprehensive coverage and liability insurance as part of full coverage.
Jerry customers buying a state minimum policy with collision coverage are currently paying $157 – $268 per month. In most cases, full coverage is worth the few extra bucks to have your car protected in case of an at-fault accident.
Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings vary by state, coverage, driver profile and other factors.
Key takeaway: Not all insurers let you buy collision without comprehensive coverage. Check your coverage details when comparing quotes.
Compare quotes with collision through Jerry
When you shop for car insurance, compare rates with collision to see how it affects your premium. You can get quotes through Jerry, then add or remove it to see whether the coverage makes financial sense for your situation.
Jerry works with over 50 carriers to compare quotes in minutes. If your collision rates increase after a claim, check the app to see if switching carriers would lower your costs.
Understanding your collision deductible
Your collision deductible is what you pay before insurance covers the rest. Lower deductibles mean higher premiums but less out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim.
Key takeaway: Pick the highest deductible you could comfortably pay tomorrow to keep premiums low without risking a bill you can’t handle in an emergency.
When to file a collision claim
💡 Consider filing a claim when:
- You were at fault.
- The other driver’s insurance doesn’t cover all repairs.
- The other driver left the scene.
⚠️ Don’t file if:
- Repair costs are less than your deductible.
- Repair costs are only slightly more than your deductible.
Why it matters: Filing a claim could raise your rates for 3-5 years, especially for at-fault accidents.
Special coverage: Collision deductible waiver
In California and Massachusetts, you can buy a collision deductible waiver (CDW). This waives your deductible if an uninsured driver causes an accident. Some insurers offer similar coverage in other states.
It only takes 2 minutes to sign up at Jerry.
FAQ
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👥 Who would benefit from having collision coverage?
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🚗 Should I have collision coverage on a 10-year-old car?
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🛡️What is the best coverage to have for auto insurance?
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💧Will collision insurance cover water damage?
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💵 How much collision coverage do you need?
Methodology
Data included in this analysis comes from policies that Jerry has quoted within the last 6 months for drivers with a clean record and that have full coverage, unless stated otherwise. Data related to violations, accidents or credit scores pull from quote data from the last 18 months. Jerry services 48 states and offers a range of insurance companies to choose from.
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
