O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | February 16, 2025 | Car Accidents
Understanding the difference between collision and comprehensive auto insurance is important for every driver in Buffalo, New York. While both types of coverage protect your vehicle, they cover different kinds of damage. Collision insurance helps pay for repairs if you’re involved in an accident, whereas comprehensive insurance covers damages from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Knowing the distinction can help you make an informed decision about the coverage that’s right for you.
The Core Differences Between Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Auto insurance in New York has several key parts. The state requires you to have liability insurance, which pays for damage you cause to others. You also must have Personal Injury Protection (PIP) for medical bills and coverage for uninsured motorists. You must have liability insurance that pays:
- $25,000 for each person’s injuries
- $50,000 if someone dies
- $10,000 for property damage
These basic requirements form the foundation of your auto insurance, but many drivers choose additional protection. However, these required coverages don’t protect your own car from damage; that’s where collision and comprehensive coverage come in.
Collision Insurance
Collision insurance pays for damage when your car collides with an object or overturns. According to the New York Department of Financial Services, it doesn’t matter who caused the car accident. This differs from basic liability insurance, which only pays for damage you cause to other cars.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage protects you from almost everything else. While collision covers crash damage, comprehensive handles theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. In New York, insurance companies must offer comprehensive coverage with a $0 glass deductible option. This makes it very useful for windshield repairs.
Cost Considerations in New York
In New York, you must pay for liability insurance, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.
Optional collision and comprehensive coverage add to this base cost. Collision usually costs more than comprehensive because crashes happen more often than theft or weather damage. Here’s why these optional coverages cost more in our state:
- Winter weather leads to more crashes
- City areas like Buffalo see more accidents
- Collision repairs cost more here
- Labor rates run higher than average
To understand what these costs might mean for you specifically, it’s important to consult with a lawyer. Knowing these details is crucial before making any decisions about your coverage.
When You Need Both Types of Coverage
Often, drivers need both comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to the required coverage in New York. Here’s when you should consider getting collision and comprehensive coverage:
- You have a car loan or lease
- You drive a newer car
- You often drive in busy city areas
- You can’t easily pay for repairs yourself
Having both coverages is a wise choice in each of these situations. The Insurance Information Institute reports that 77% of drivers buy collision coverage.
Understanding Deductibles
Your deductible changes your insurance costs. A higher deductible means lower monthly payments but more cost when you file a claim. Many Buffalo drivers pick lower deductibles for winter. Think about:
- Your savings
- Your car’s value
- How much you drive
- Your comfort with risk
These points help you pick the right deductible.
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
Picking insurance coverage needs careful thought. Consider these key points:
- How old your car is
- Where you park
- How far you drive
- Your money situation
- Local weather risks
These factors will guide you to the right coverage choice.
Get Expert Help With Your Insurance Decisions
Your auto insurance protects you, your family, and your vehicle after an accident. Understanding the different types of coverage helps you make better choices about your protection. The Buffalo car accident lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand how collision and comprehensive coverage work with your required insurance to give you complete protection on New York roads. We offer a free consultation, so get in touch today.
Contact The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today
A Buffalo car accident lawyer can help you calculate your damages so that you recover all that you are entitled to recover. More importantly, they can fight to hold the defendant liable on your behalf. You shouldn’t have to live with the emotional consequences of PTSD after a car accident without any financial help.
For more information, please contact the Buffalo car accident lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.
We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.
O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
(716) 222-2222
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