Should You Get Collision Insurance?

In many states, collision insurance is not a mandatory part of your insurance coverage. But for many car owners, it can be a vital part of their insurance plans. Here is what you need to know about collision coverage for car accidents. 

Differences Between Liability and Collision Insurance

You may be wondering whether your standard liability coverage will pay for your car accident damage. The answer is often no. With bare bones car insurance, your insurer will pay for damages to another person's car in the event that you are responsible for an accident. This liability insurance is often required by states as a measure of social responsibility; it helps to guarantee that you are able to pay for any damages that you cause to another person's car. 

However, if you are responsible for an accident, you might not get the same coverage for repairs to your own car. This is also true if you collide with a stationary object, such as another vehicle or a tree. Without collision auto insurance, these damages may come out of your own pocket. 

Is it Important to Get Collision Repairs?

Your next logical thought may be to wonder if it's worthwhile to pay for collision repair. There are several types of collision damages that are valuable to repair. If you have a dent or scratch that goes down to the paint, for example, it can become more than just a cosmetic issue; these collision damages expose your car to the elements and make it possible for rust to form in the car's structure. Certain types of collision damages can have a very negative impact on the resale value of your car if they are prone to have long-lasting effects on drivability. An auto repair center can give you the lowdown on whether your individual collision damage is worth repairing out of pocket. But getting collision insurance ahead of time might end up saving you hundreds of dollars, even in the case of minor collisions. 

Paying for Auto Repair After Collisions

So, your collision repair bill can often go two ways. If you opt for collision auto insurance, it can cover your expenses with immediate reimbursement. Some collision repair policies may cover the costs of renting a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop as well. The individual repairs that are covered can vary greatly by auto insurance carrier, so shop around to find policies that give you the most comprehensive auto repair coverage.