Full coverage vs. liability only: What’s the difference?
Liability coverage is the barebones option most states require drivers to purchase. Each state sets different minimum liability insurance requirements, usually broken down into bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Since most state laws mandate liability coverage, this serves as the starting point for most drivers.[2]
Liability coverage only protects other drivers on the road and others’ property from mistakes you make. If you get into an at-fault accident, liability coverage kicks in to pay for the injuries and damages you cause. But liability coverage won’t help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle.
Liability insurance is cheaper because it covers less. The national average monthly premium is $105, according to Insurify data. Less coverage could cost you more if you damage your car in an incident because you’ll have to pay out of pocket for repairs.
On top of liability coverage, full coverage includes comprehensive and collision insurance. When you get in an accident or encounter another incident that damages your vehicle, full coverage will help you repair or replace your vehicle. This coverage will typically pay out to the fair market value of your vehicle.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Data reviewed by
Konstantin HalachevKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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| COUNTRY Financial | $38 | $16 |
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| NJM | $53 | $28 |
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| Auto-Owners | $72 | $34 |
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| Erie | $93 | $49 |
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| Mile Auto | $94 | $56 |
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| USAA | $99 | $45 |
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| Root | $104 | $60 |
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| Metromile | $113 | $61 |
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| GEICO | $118 | $54 |
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| State Farm | $119 | $54 |
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| CSAA | $128 | $85 |
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| Allstate | $133 | $61 |
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| Safeco | $145 | $84 |
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| Progressive | $152 | $97 |
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| American Family | $160 | $72 |
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| Mercury | $162 | $83 |
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| The Hartford | $170 | $93 |
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| National General | $173 | $88 |
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| Nationwide | $181 | $84 |
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| Clearcover | $185 | $106 |
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| Direct Auto | $185 | $97 |
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| Travelers | $191 | $89 |
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| State Auto | $200 | $95 |
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| Elephant | $200 | $128 |
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| Shelter | $210 | $110 |
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| The General | $227 | $111 |
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| Chubb | $232 | $111 |
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| 21st Century | $236 | $112 |
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| Dairyland | $239 | $92 |
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| Farmers | $239 | $109 |
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| Bristol West | $252 | $117 |
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| Liberty Mutual | $257 | $162 |
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| Infinity | $257 | $181 |
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| Foremost | $268 | $117 |
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| AssuranceAmerica | $275 | $164 |
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| Amica | $278 | $148 |
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| GAINSCO | $280 | $125 |
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| Commonwealth Casualty | $287 | $107 |
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Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Insurify Tip
Full-coverage car insurance may not be worth it depending on your vehicle’s age and condition. Consider its value and your plans for the car. Some older cars can hold value, and if you want to continue driving it you’ll want coverage to fix damages.
What full-coverage car insurance covers
Full-coverage insurance includes multiple layers of protection. Here’s a closer look at what it covers:
Bodily injury liability coverage
This covers injuries you cause to someone else. A full-coverage policy includes at least the state-minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage, and you can purchase additional coverage.
Property damage liability coverage
This covers damage you cause to someone else’s property. Usually, that’s their vehicle, but it also includes damage to buildings, fences, telephone poles, etc.
Personal injury protection coverage
Some states require this coverage, which pays for injuries to you and your passengers. It can include medical payments, lost wages, and more.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
This reimburses you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your injuries or damages. Some states require it, but you can purchase it as an add-on.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance provides reimbursement after an accident with another vehicle or an object like a tree or fence. If you get in an accident, the policy will help you repair or replace your vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects you financially in a non-collision event. For example, you can file a claim after a fallen tree or hailstorm damages your vehicle, or following theft, vandalism, flood, or fire.
What full-coverage insurance doesn’t cover
Full-coverage insurance isn’t a catch-all coverage. While you’ll find more protection than a liability-only policy, your coverage will still have a few gaps. A few things not covered include:
Commercial usage: If you’re a rideshare driver or deliver items from a grocery store or pharmacy with your vehicle, a standard full-coverage policy won’t offer protection.
Vehicle upgrades: A standard full-coverage policy doesn’t cover a fancy sound system or premium rims. But you can buy supplemental insurance to protect your after-market upgrades.
Gap insurance: The insurance company will pay out the fair market value of your vehicle after a total loss but not the gap between the value of your vehicle and what you owe on your auto loan or lease. You can purchase gap insurance to cover the difference.[3]
If you aren’t sure what your policy covers, look at your policy declaration page. It’s better to find any coverage gaps before you run into an issue.
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