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You’ve likely heard or used the phrase “full coverage” auto insurance, and you’re not alone. It’s a common term, but there’s actually no such thing as “full coverage” insurance. It’s not a specific policy type or insurance product you can purchase.
So, what do people mean when they use the term “full coverage” as it relates to auto insurance? Typically, they’re referring to a policy that combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Adding collision and comprehensive coverage goes beyond the state-required minimum liability coverage.
It’s important to understand the insurance coverage types, what they include, and what they do not include. That way, you can make the right insurance decision for your vehicle and situation.
When someone is shopping for insurance and mentions “full coverage,” they usually mean an auto insurance policy that includes:
Liability coverage: required by law in Indiana
Collision coverage: covers accidental damage to your vehicle
Comprehensive coverage: protects your vehicle from non-collision damage (Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance calls this coverage “other than collision coverage”)
This combination of coverages provides protection for damages you cause to others and for damage to your vehicle. That’s why people think of it as “full coverage.”
However, this set of coverages still doesn’t cover everything under the sun. To fully understand what your auto insurance policy covers, contact your local Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent. They will be happy to review and discuss your coverage options with you.
Liability insurance is the most basic auto insurance policy you can purchase. Per Indiana law, all drivers in Indiana must have liability auto insurance in place. This coverage protects other people when you’re at fault in an accident, but it does not provide protection for your own vehicle.
Indiana law requires drivers to have coverage that meets the 25/50/25 formula, which is:
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of a person in an accident caused by the at-fault driver
$50,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by the at-fault driver
$25,000 for property damage caused in an accident by an at-fault driver
Bodily injury liability insurance helps cover:
Medical expenses for people you injure in an at-fault accident
Lost wages of other people you injure in an at-fault accident
Pain and suffering claims (including emotional damage)
Your legal defense fees if you are sued
Property damage liability insurance helps cover:
Repairs to other people’s vehicle
Damage to buildings, fences, lampposts, and other structures
Your legal costs from property damage claims
Loss of business income you caused
Liability insurance does not cover:
Any damage to your personal vehicle
Your medical bills after an accident
Theft of your vehicle
Vandalism to your vehicle
Weather-related damage (e.g., hail, windstorms)
Hitting a deer or other animal
Costs can add up quickly after an accident. Even if you opt to carry only liability insurance, you can select limits above the Indiana state insurance requirements of 25/50/25. Inadequate coverage can be a major financial risk. Since carrying only liability insurance means you are more financially vulnerable, it’s important to know about the option to add collision and/or comprehensive coverage to make an informed decision.
Collision coverage is a key element of auto insurance. When paired with liability insurance, it’s the next level of protection as a driver. Collision coverage protects your vehicle when you are in an accident.
Collision coverage helps cover your vehicle when you:
Hit another vehicle
Are hit by another vehicle (regardless of fault)
Hit a stationary object like a tree or building
Roll your vehicle over
Cause a single-car accident
To take coverage to the next level and obtain what people mistakenly call “full coverage” auto insurance, you can add comprehensive coverage to your policy.
Comprehensive coverage, called “other than collision” at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, protects damage to your own vehicle from atypical accidents.
Comprehensive coverage helps cover your vehicle for:
Theft of the vehicle
Vandalism
Hail, water, or flood
Windstorms
Animal collisions
Glass breakage
Indiana is an “at-fault” state. That means the person who caused an accident is financially responsible for all damages. So, while liability coverage may be a requirement, there’s a good chance it may not be enough coverage for you.
Serious accidents that result in injuries can see medical bills reaching $100,000 or more. If you have the state minimum coverage of $25,000 per person in coverage and you go beyond your policy limits, you are personally liable for the difference.
The penalties for driving uninsured in Indiana are steep.
First offense: 90-day license suspension and a $250 reinstatement fee
Subsequent offenses: The penalties accumulate and at the third offense, the driver’s license will be suspended for one year and face a $1,000 reinstatement fee.
All offenses: Require SR-22 certificate filed by an insurance company to show financial responsibility and prove to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that you have insurance in place.
Have a newer vehicle or one that is worth a significant amount of money
Can’t afford to replace your vehicle out-of-pocket
Have a loan or lease (lenders will require it)
Live in an area with high theft or vandalism rates
Live in an area with frequently adverse weather conditions
Frequently drive in areas with deer and other wildlife
Want more protection and peace of mind
Drive an older car that is worth less than a few thousand dollars
Have enough money saved to replace your car
Own your vehicle outright (no loan or lease in place)
Are comfortable assuming the financial risk
You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out to an Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance agent today. They can help you assess your needs, identify discounts, explain your coverages and adjust coverages as needed for your circumstances. We have agents in all 92 counties in Indiana who specialize in helping you find protection that works for you.
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