auto comparison
Full Coverage vs. Liability-Only Auto
Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive to the legally required liability. The break-even depends almost entirely on your vehicle's value vs. your annual premium.
Liability-Only
65/100
$500–$1,200/yr
Best for: Cars worth under $4,000 or fully paid off
Pros
- 50–60% cheaper
- Meets state requirements
- Best for old commuter cars
Cons
- No collision payout
- No theft/weather coverage
- Lender won't allow if financed
Full Coverage
82/100
$1,200–$2,800/yr
Best for: Financed or leased vehicles, anything worth $5,000+
Pros
- Covers your car after at-fault crashes
- Covers theft/weather/animal strikes
- Required by lenders
Cons
- ~2x the price
- Deductible applies
- Diminishing return on older cars
Our recommendation
Drop collision/comp once your car's value falls below 10x your annual full-coverage premium. Keep liability and UM/UIM at strong limits regardless.
Frequently asked
Is UM/UIM the same as full coverage?
No — UM/UIM is its own coverage that pays when an uninsured driver hits you. Carry it at your liability limit regardless of full coverage decision.