What Is Collision Insurance?

If you were in a crash, you may wonder what collision insurance is, and if it applies here. You may also question who pays for repairs to your vehicle and whether your own policy applies. Collision insurance is one type of auto coverage that may help with damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the crash.

Property damage and personal injury claims involve different types of coverage, and understanding each one may help you avoid confusion while dealing with an insurer. At Berger and Green, our car crash attorneys explain how collision coverage fits into a larger injury claim.

What Damage Does Collision Insurance Cover?

If you have vehicle damage after a crash with another car or an object, this coverage may help pay for repairs or replacement. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department explains that collision coverage is optional but a bank or lender may require it when you finance your vehicle.

Your policy usually requires you to pay a deductible before the insurer pays the remaining covered repair costs. Under 75 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 1792, private passenger auto policies that include collision coverage must offer a $500 deductible, although insurers may also offer higher, lower, or zero deductibles.

Comprehensive coverage serves a different purpose than collision coverage. It generally applies to losses such as theft, fire, and flood, and may also relate to vandalism or striking an animal rather than damage resulting from a wreck.

Collision Coverage and Your Claim

After a crash, you may have several insurance issues to sort through at the same time. When another driver is at fault, their property damage liability coverage may apply to damage to your vehicle. Your own policy may also provide another source of payment, depending on the coverage you have.

Your vehicle damage is usually distinct from any claim regarding your injuries, and if you suffered injuries, you may also have a separate claim for the harm resulting from your crash. The value of your claim depends on the circumstances of your accident and the effect your injuries have on your life. Our lawyers can review the relevant policies, communicate with insurers, and explain how collision coverage fits into your broader car accident claim.

Contact Our Attorneys To Learn How Collision Insurance Coverage Applies to Your Case

Collision insurance is only one part of the coverage that may matter after a serious crash. Understanding what your policy pays and what another driver’s insurer may owe requires careful review of the accident and the available insurance.

At Berger and Green, we have over 40 years of experience in helping injured clients. If you have questions after your accident, including those about collision insurance, contact us for a free consultation.