Difference between collision and comprehensive insurance

A comprehensive guide on understanding what collision and comprehensive insurance policies are and their differences.
Difference between collision and comprehensive insurance
3 mins
25-July-2023

Car insurance is an important investment that keeps you financially secure to tackle expenses related to damage or mishap involving your car. It provides financial coverage against damage or loss caused by unforeseen accidents, theft, or other covered events. While looking to buy a car insurance policy, it is important to know the different types of insurance policies available. Collision and comprehensive insurance are two types of motor insurance policies. Though both types secure a car, their coverage differs significantly. Collision insurance is more popular in abroad, and still very new to India.

Understanding the difference between collision and comprehensive insurance is crucial to determine which coverage is best for your car.

What is collision insurance?

Collision insurance is a type of car insurance. It covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car if damaged in a collision with another vehicle, object, or has rolled over. It is not necessarily required under the law, but it is mandatory if the car has been financed through a loan or lease.

Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle regardless of fault in the accident. If there is a collision, your insurance company will cover all repair costs up to the policy limit minus your deductible. For instance, suppose a car is damaged due to an accident, the repair cost comes up to Rs. 50,000, and you have a deductible of Rs. 10,000. The insurance company will pay Rs. 40,000.

What is comprehensive insurance?

Comprehensive insurance, also known as 'other than collision,' is a type of insurance coverage that covers damages caused from accidents, natural calamities, and man-made activities. It is an optional coverage and also covers theft, vandalism, fire, floods, or falling objects.

Comprehensive car insurance also compensates for the car damages up to the policy limit minus your deductible.

Difference between collision and comprehensive insurance

Two primary differences between collision and comprehensive insurance are the coverage that they provide and the types of damages and losses they cover.

Comprehensive insurance

Collision insurance

Comprehensive insurance covers damages and losses caused due to theft, riots, or natural disasters, and accidents.

Collision insurance, specifically designed for accident coverage, covers damage to your car in a collision with another car or object.

Not mandatory, but you will need it if the car is financed through a loan or lease.

Not mandatory


Do I need both collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision insurance is more popular in the USA, and not sold in India. In India, you get two types of motor insurance – comprehensive and third-party insurance.

In India, it is mandatory for every vehicle owner to have a third-party insurance as per Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Buy a comprehensive insurance is optional. However, it depends on your individual circumstances and needs.

Collision and comprehensive insurance are two separate types of car insurance that provide distinct coverage benefits. It is vital to understand your insurance needs and choose the coverage that best fits your budget and vehicle's requirements.

Disclaimer

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. *T&C Apply - Bajaj Finance Limited (‘BFL’) is a registered corporate agent of third-party insurance products of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company Limited, HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited, Future Generali Life Insurance Company Limited, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company Limited, SBI General Insurance Company Limited, ACKO General Insurance Limited, ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company Limited, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited, Tata AIG General Insurance Company Limited, Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company Limited, Manipal Cigna Health Insurance Company Limited and Care Health Insurance Company Limited under the IRDAI composite CA registration number CA0101. Please note that, BFL does not underwrite the risk or act as an insurer. Your purchase of an insurance product is purely on a voluntary basis after your exercise of an independent due diligence on the suitability, viability of any insurance product. Any decision to purchase insurance product is solely at your own risk and responsibility and BFL shall not be liable for any loss or damage that any person may suffer, whether directly or indirectly. Please refer insurer's website for Policy Wordings. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions and exclusions please read the product sales brochure carefully before concluding a sale. Tax benefits applicable if any, will be as per the prevailing tax laws. Tax laws are subject to change. Tax laws are subject to change. BFL does NOT provide Tax/Investment advisory services. Please consult your advisors before proceeding to purchase an insurance product. Visitors are hereby informed that their information submitted on the website may also be shared with insurers. BFL is also a distributor of other third-party products from Assistance Services providers such as CPP Assistance Services Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Finserv Health Ltd. etc. All product information such as premium, benefits, exclusions, sum insured, value added services, etc. are authentic and solely based on the information received from the respective insurance company or the respective Assistance service provider company.

Note – While we have made all efforts and taken utmost care in gathering precise information about the products, features, benefits, etc. However, BFL cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. We request our customers to conduct their research about these products and refer to the respective product’s sales brochures before concluding their sale.