Liability, collision, and comprehensive: a driver's starting guide

Auto insurance quotes often list several coverage types side by side. They are not interchangeable. Understanding the broad purpose of each one makes it easier to ask about a policy's limits, deductibles, and exclusions before you choose.

Liability: harm to others

Auto liability coverage generally concerns covered injuries or property damage to other people when you are responsible for an accident, up to the limits in your policy. It is different from protection for damage to your own vehicle. Ask what your quoted limits are and how they would apply to a claim.

Collision: damage after a covered crash

Collision coverage may help repair or replace your vehicle following a covered collision, subject to your deductible and policy terms. If you finance or lease a vehicle, review any insurance requirements in your agreement as well as your own preferences.

Comprehensive: specified non-collision losses

Comprehensive coverage may address covered events such as theft, hail, fire, or certain animal-related damage. The examples, exclusions, and deductible depend on the actual policy. Ask how this coverage differs from collision in the situations you are most concerned about.

Questions to bring to a quote conversation

• What liability limits am I comparing?
• What deductibles would I pay for collision and comprehensive claims?
• Are roadside assistance or rental reimbursement options available?
• Does any driver use the vehicle for work?
• Could reviewing auto and home or renters coverage together make sense?

A quote is a starting point. A useful comparison includes the coverage terms as well as the price. Talk with Hess Agency about auto coverage for a Wisconsin vehicle and the way you use it.

This article is general information, not a policy interpretation or guarantee of coverage. Actual availability, terms, limits, exclusions, and eligibility depend on the policy and circumstances.