Collision vs Comprehensive: Which Auto Insurance Coverage Do You Need? – explaining optional coverages

Imagine this: You walk out of your house one morning, coffee in hand — and your windshield is shattered. No culprit in sight. Just broken glass and a squirrel-looking suspect eyeing you from a tree.

Or…
You’re driving on an icy rural road, your brakes fail to grip, and you slide straight into a mailbox (and your pride).

Two very different situations. Two very different types of coverage.

In Canada, collision and comprehensive insurance are the two most misunderstood (and optional) parts of your auto policy. Let’s break them down into real language — no fluff, no insurance mumbo-jumbo.

⚠️ First, These Are Optional — But Often Crucial

Let’s be clear: if you only have basic liability insurance, you’re covered for damage you cause to others. Not for damage to your own car — even if it’s wrecked.

That’s where collision and comprehensive step in. But they do very different jobs.

🚧 Collision Coverage = You vs Something

What it covers:

You hit another car
You hit a tree, pole, wall, mailbox, etc.
You roll your car
Someone else hits you and doesn’t have enough coverage

Example: You back out of a parking spot and dent your bumper on a concrete pillar. That’s collision.

🔗 FSRA explains collision coverage here

🌪️ Comprehensive Coverage = Everything Else (That Isn’t You Driving)

What it covers:

Theft or attempted theft
Vandalism or broken windows
Hail, flood, fire
Fallen trees or flying debris
Hitting a deer or moose
Random acts of raccoon rage

Example: A hailstorm punches dents into your hood while your car is parked. That’s comprehensive.

🔗 See the IBC’s coverage breakdown

💬 Myth-busted: “Comprehensive means full coverage.”
Nope. It doesn’t cover everything — just non-collision events. Think “acts of nature and bad luck,” not accidents.

💰 But What Do They Cost?

Generally, comprehensive is cheaper than collision — because it’s less likely you’ll file a claim for a tree falling than for hitting someone in a Tim Hortons parking lot.

Adding both to your policy may increase your premium by 20–40%, depending on your vehicle, location, and deductible.

But it could also save you thousands if your car is stolen, written off, or wrecked — especially if you’re leasing or financing.

Use tools like Ratehub or LowestRates.ca to test how much adding or removing these coverages actually changes your quote.

🤔 Do You Need Both?

Here’s where it gets personal.

If you drive a newer vehicle (under 7 years old), especially if it’s financed, you almost always want both.

But if your car is worth less than $3,000? Paying an extra $500/year in premiums and deductibles might not be worth it.

🧠 Think of it like this:

Collision = protects your driving mistakes

Comprehensive = protects you from the universe’s chaos

Your choice should reflect your risk tolerance, vehicle value, and how much you could afford to pay out-of-pocket if something goes wrong.

🏁 The Smart Move? Customize and Compare

Auto insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all — and neither are these coverages.
Use online quote tools that let you toggle these options on and off and instantly see how your premium shifts.

Start comparing here:

🚦 TL;DR?

Collision = You crash, you’re covered.
Comprehensive = Nature or bad luck strikes, you’re covered.
Together = Your car’s covered in nearly every situation.

You don’t always need both.
But knowing when and why to choose each?
That’s the difference between peace of mind and a very expensive headache.

Compare Auto Insurance