Collision Insurance

What Is Collision Insurance?

Collision insurance, by definition, helps cover damages to your vehicle from another automobile or object. Because of the protection it provides, many lenders require collision coverage if you’re leasing or financing your car.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
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Updated: 06/11/2025
Read Time: 3 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • Collision car insurance coverage helps pay to repair damages to your vehicle caused by a crash – from highway collisions to fender benders.
  • Collision coverage, along with other car insurance coverages like comprehensive coverage and liability coverages, work together to protect against a wide array of events.
  • Your collision deductible amount is one of the many factors that impact the price of car insurance. Typically, the more protection you choose, the more expensive your insurance payment will be. But it’ll guard against more expenses if you need to file a claim.

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

 
Vehicle damages can be expensive, whether your car hits a tree during a storm or you get into a fender bender. That’s where collision coverage comes in. This type of car insurance coverage helps pay to repair or replace your vehicle after a covered loss. Without it, you’ll have to pay those expenses fully out of pocket.
 
Auto insurance collision coverage helps cover damages to your car from many different accidents, involving:
 
  • A collision with another vehicle or an object like a fence or tree
  • Only your car, like a rollover accident
  • Someone crashing into your parked car
  • An accident in a car you’ve rented
It’s important to know that your collision insurance typically won’t cover:
 
  • Damage to another person, including medical bills
  • Vandalism or theft
  • Accidents with animals
  • Losses other than auto damage from a collision
The Hartford will make sure you’re protected against any of the above. AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 offers customizable coverages to extend your collision auto insurance protection, including comprehensive car insurance, bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance coverages.
driver protected by collision coverage insurance from The Hartford

What Is an Example of Collision Insurance?

Accidents happen when you least expect them. Some real-life examples where collision insurance can help include:
 
  • You swerve to avoid hitting something in the road and end up crashing your car into a mailbox.
  • You park to run into the store and come back to find a dent from someone hitting your car.
  • You brake quickly and end up hydroplaning into a telephone pole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Insurance

Collision insurance helps cover the costs of repair for your car in the event of an accident with another vehicle or an accident involving an object like a fence or a tree. Comprehensive auto insurance coverage, also known as “other than collision,” covers things like:
 
  • Theft or vandalism of your car or its parts
  • A tree falling on your car
  • A broken windshield
  • If you hit an animal while driving
You must first have comprehensive insurance coverage for your car before you can buy collision insurance.
Collision insurance can offer you peace of mind knowing you and your loved ones are protected, which is priceless. It helps pay for damage to your car if it’s involved in an accident, so you can avoid repair or replacement costs yourself, which can be thousands. Collision insurance even helps cover your losses with a totaled car. Because accidents take place in the blink of an eye, it’s important to be prepared.
Your collision deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket for car insurance claims before your policy covers the rest. For example, if your deductible is $1,500 and your vehicle has $5,000 in damage, you would be responsible only for the $1,500 to pay to repair your car. Your insurance company, through your collision insurance coverage, would help pay the rest. Common collision coverage deductible amounts range from $500 to $2,000.
On average, The Hartford’s customers pay between $121 and $162 a month for car insurance.† But, when it comes to the cost of car insurance, collision coverage is just one factor. The specific cost of your collision insurance coverage can vary depending on your:
 
  • Car’s value
  • Vehicle’s year, make and model
  • Deductible amount
Usually, the lower your deductible amounts, the higher your premium. So, if you plan to buy auto collision coverage, selecting a higher deductible generally helps lower the cost of your auto insurance, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket after an accident, which can be a risk. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision based on your budget and insurance goals.
 

Get a Car Insurance Quote

From parking lot crashes to fallen tree limbs, The Hartford knows that accidents happen to even the safest of drivers, at no fault of their own. That’s why we offer car insurance policies you can tailor to meet your unique needs. That way, you can enjoy customizable auto coverages at a price that fits your budget. To learn more about how AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford can help protect you, get a car insurance quote today or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

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† Average savings amounts are derived from 6-month policy terms and based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford's newest rate plan between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. This data is also used to determine the number/percentage of individuals who saved money when they switched. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure.
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Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. Home product is not available in all areas, including the state of FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.