Full Auto Coverage

What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

"Full coverage" sounds reassuring isn't it? As if your car is with a bubble that protects it regardless of what happens. However, here's the reality: Full coverage insurance for cars isn't an official product of insurance. This is because there's no policy that's referred to as "full coverage" in any insurance firm's policy. Then, what's the issue?

You can think of it as a broad word. It generally includes three primary kinds of insurance such as collision, liability and complete insurance. They are designed to safeguard both your car and yourself from various hazards, including the usual and completely bizarre. This includes damage caused by hailstorms and crashes with another vehicle as well as vandalism or theft.

In Pennsylvania the legal minimum obligation is liability insurance. That means you're only liable by the damage the other person suffers. The full coverage extends far over that, it covers your car or your passengers as well as instances where you're responsible or when there is no one else to blame.

Who Sells Full Coverage Car Insurance?

Insurancepittsburgh.us:
Pretty much every major insurance company offers the components that make up full coverage. However there are a few exceptions to this rule. Not all insurers are made equal.

Certain specialize in lower premiums and others offer white-glove customer services.

If you're located in Pennsylvania you have a choice of large national companies and local firms who understand the regional risk, such as roads in rural areas and winter weather risks.

A full coverage auto insurance company beats its rivals

If there's one firm that is consistently ranked high when it comes to giving value-packed, full coverage to Pennsylvania, it's Insurancepittsburgh. Why? First of all, Insurancepittsburgh.us has some of the top customer satisfaction ratings within the region.

In addition, they provide an array of insurance options, such as gap insurance and accident forgiveness. Often, they offer lower rates than national companies.

Additionally, they allow for more flexibility than their competition. This means that you can customize your entire insurance policy to suit your needs rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all plan.

Benefit: Insurancepittsburgh.us tends to be more lenient with claims this is an important benefit in the event that you have to make use of your insurance.

Better Insurance. They Shop You Save.

However, if you're an individual who is a fan of cost-shopping, you can take the better option: Work with an independent insurance broker. They aren't tied to any one firm, but they do their research across different insurers to determine the most affordable price for you.

You can compare rates for similar levels of coverage from different insurance companies which can save thousands of dollars per year. What's more? The services they provide are typically completely free.

What Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Cover?

Car insurance with full coverage can be described as a net of safety which protects the person from all angles. In contrast to liability insurance, which only shields other people from damage that you do Full coverage covers you, your passengers as well as your car in additional layers of security. What specifically does it cover?

Let's begin with the most obvious: your car. In the event of an accident involving a car when you're stopped at a red light, or awake to find your vehicle dragged due to a fallen tree, complete coverage is there to help.

Collision insurance covers repairs and replacement of your vehicle if it's damaged by an accident, no matter the party responsible.

Comprehensive insurance will cover incident-related incidents, including vandalism, theft, fire or even a stolen shopping cart which slams against the door.

Consider the medical expenses. If you, or guests are injured as a result of accidents, medical payment (MedPay) also known as personal injury protection (PIP) can help pay for treatments, even if it wasn't caused by your negligence. This is especially beneficial for Pennsylvania where it's a state that is not at fault, which means the insurance company pays for injuries, regardless of the person who caused the accident.

Don't forget uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If someone crashes you and isn't insured or does not have sufficient protection, your insurance policy comes into action to compensate you for the expenses. This is a true hero's feature in a society in which many drivers risk their lives by having minimal insurance.

What additional protection can full coverage auto insurance provide me?

The value of complete coverage is in the additional options available to personalize your security net. What are the options you may be able to incorporate:

Rental Car Reimbursement - your car is currently in the workshop, this will help to get you around without missing an ounce.

Roadside Assistance: Whether you're stuck in a bind or in the middle of I-76 and have a flat-tire assistance is only a phone one phone call just a phone call away.

Gap Insurance: If your car is destroyed and you have a debt that is greater than what it's worth it will be covered by what's known as the "gap" between what you have to pay and the value of your car.

Accident Forgiveness - A mishap will not cause your insurance to increase by a significant amount.

Custom Equipment Coverage - Have cool rims, or an amazing audio system? It also protects your upgrades.

They aren't necessary and can cost your pocket a few dollars and anxiety if things go wrong.

What Other Policies Are Included in Full Coverage Car Insurance?

We'll clarify this that full coverage doesn't come from one policy. It's the result of a mix of many. This is a brief overview of the main policy elements that constitute the full coverage policy:

In combination, these policies form what's commonly referred to by the term "full coverage." However, keep in mind that what's covered can vary from provider to company. Therefore, always verify your policies.

Here's a quick side-by-side:

Yes, you can pay for full coverage more in the beginning. However, one serious accident could leave you wishing you had insurance. Imagine purchasing peace of mind. You can't place a value on it.

What Does Full Coverage Car Insurance Pay For?

Let's talk about the real value of the value of dollars and cents. What are you actually able to think of paying full coverage for in case of disaster?

The short answer is: The answer is many. Let's take it apart by the following scenario:

Car Accidents (You're at Fault)

• Repairs for your vehicle (via collision insurance)
• Injury and damages to others (via the possibility of liability)
• The medical expenses you pay (via the PIP program or MedPay)

Car Accidents (They're at Fault)

• Repairs for your vehicle (sometimes included in the liability of the driver at fault or uninsured motorist coverage)
• The medical expenses you pay (via MedPay or PIP)

Non-Accident Damage

• Fires, storms and floods — Comprehensive takes care of this.
• Animal attacks — Yes, the deer are protected.
• Theft or vandalism — covered in the comprehensive coverage.
• Falling objects (trees, hail, etc.) — Also, comprehensive.

Other Situations

• Accidents involving hit-and-run — often insured by an uninsured driver or collision coverage.
• Vehicle stolen — covered, with rental reimbursement, until resolution.

In essence, when something traumatic happens to your car, or you're in a collision and you're not covered, full coverage assures that you don't have to pay the cost out of your own pocket. However, this is only true if it’s covered by the terms of your policy and its limitations.

What Doesn't Full Coverage Car Insurance Pay For?

While full coverage shields you from all kinds of dangers, it's still not a one-stop shop for all car-related expenses. There are certain things that it will not cover, and understanding these limitations is as crucial as understanding what coverage it will provide.

Let's start with maintenance and wear-and-tear. Have a broken transmission or bald tires? That’s on you. Insurance doesn't replace regular maintenance. Coverage doesn’t include brake repairs, oil changes, or tire replacement, even if costly.

Intentional damage is another no-no. If you cause damage on purpose to your vehicle or someone else’s, don’t expect your insurer to help. Fraudulent claims can even void your policy and lead to legal issues.

Driving for business is also usually not covered unless your policy explicitly includes commercial use. If you're delivering food, driving for a rideshare, or hauling products, you need a different policy. Claims during work use may be denied without it.

Other Common Exclusions:

• Damage from racing or illegal activity
• Rental cars without the right add-ons
• Damage that exceeds your policy’s limits (you pay the rest)
• Claims after policy expiration due to missed payments

The bottom line? Full coverage is robust, but it's not bulletproof. Read your policy carefully and talk to your insurance agent if you need additional protection in those gray areas.

The Most Common Car Insurance Claims

Ever wonder what kinds of accidents are most common? Knowing what claims happen most frequently can help you decide whether full coverage and extra features are worth it. Spoiler: they often are.

• Rear-End Collisions: Common in traffic and distracted driving—collision coverage is essential here.
• Weather Damage: From hailstorms to falling tree limbs, Pennsylvania’s weather is no joke. Comprehensive helps.
• Animal Strikes: Deer collisions are serious and frequent, especially in rural areas. Covered under comprehensive.
• Vandalism and Theft: Especially common in cities like Philly or Pittsburgh. A good reason for coverage.
• Single-Car Accidents: Skidding into a pole or misjudging a curve—these aren’t covered by liability insurance alone.

Understanding these risks shows why many drivers are left exposed without full insurance. It helps absorb the financial blow from these common mishaps.

Why Do I Require Full Coverage Auto Insurance?

Still wondering if full coverage is worth it? Here’s the deal: if your car holds value—emotionally or financially—then yes, you likely need it.

The peace of mind is key. Accidents happen. Trees fall. Deer leap. Thieves strike. When they do, full coverage kicks in. Instead of shelling out thousands, you pay a deductible and move on.

Specific Benefits of Full Coverage:

• Your car is financed or leased (lenders require it)
• You can’t afford to replace your car out-of-pocket
• You live in a high-risk area (weather, theft, etc.)
• You drive often or long distances
• You want to protect your long-term savings

For many, skipping full coverage is a gamble. And if something goes wrong, it can be a costly one. Insurance isn’t just about legality—it’s financial protection.

Most Frequently Asked Questions About Full Coverage Car Insurance