The Difference Between Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

As you shop for auto insurance in San Diego, CA, you’ll come across comprehensive and collision coverage terms. While they may sound similar, it’s crucial to understand their differences to determine the best policy fit for your needs. At Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc., we aim to clarify these terms and guide you through the process.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive insurance deals with vehicle damages stemming from non-collision incidents. These can include theft, fire, damages from falling trees, animals, or weather-related events like hail. Given the lower-risk nature of the covered incidents, comprehensive coverage typically costs less than collision coverage. The value of your car and your chosen deductible influence your coverage limits.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage, on the other hand, manages damages to your vehicle resulting from crashes. Collision coverage offers protection, whether it’s another vehicle, a building, a light pole, a tree, or even a pothole. It even encompasses damages from vehicle rollovers.

Optional Coverage

It’s important to note that California doesn’t require drivers to purchase collision or comprehensive insurance unless the vehicle is being financed. However, to fully protect your investment, including both provisions in your policy is highly recommended. Your deductible for both provisions typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 and must be paid upfront before the insurer begins to cover damage. Although neither provision outweighs the other in importance, both offer vital protections in different situations.

If full coverage auto insurance is your goal, Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. can help you find a suitable policy tailored to your budget. Serving San Diego, CA residents, we’re ready to help you explore your options. Contact us today to learn more.

Do You Need Another Auto Insurance Policy to Drive Down to Mexico?

San Diego, CA, isn’t far from Mexico, and there are plenty of great things to do and see on the other side of the border. However, if you’re planning on driving down to Mexico, you’ll need to ensure your car has the right insurance policy for the trip.

Auto Insurance for a Trip to Mexico

An American auto insurance policy won’t cover your car if something happens in Mexico. What’s more, Mexico has its own insurance requirements you need to meet to avoid legal problems on your visit. For this reason, you’ll need to purchase additional coverage for your trip.

According to Mexican law, you’re required to have third-party liability insurance. You can choose the policy and deductible, but it’s wise to pick a policy that provides at least $300,000 in compensation. This money won’t cover your expenses if you’re in an accident. However, it will cover medical bills and other bills for the third party involved in the incident. Additionally, Mexican insurance companies often require policyholders to purchase coverage that provides funding for bail bonds, legal assistance, and medical coverage for the driver and anyone else in the vehicle.

In addition to minimal coverage requirements, you may want to consider purchasing a policy that covers roadside assistance in case your vehicle has mechanical problems during your trip. Coverage that provides compensation in case of theft is also a brilliant idea.

Call Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. for Policy Options

Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. specializes in helping San Diego, CA, residents pick the best auto insurance policies for any situation. Get in touch with us to find out more about your options or to get a quote on the policy of your choice.

Why You Need More Than the State Minimum Coverage

If you have an old car or are on a strict budget, it’s tempting only to get the state minimum coverage on your auto policy in San Diego, CA. Even though you may think you’ll save money, you may actually pay more in the long run if you get into an accident. Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc. can advise you on how to save money on your policy while keeping yourself adequately protected.

California’s Minimum Requirements for Auto Policies

California requires your auto insurance policy to have liability in the amount of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000. These figures represent the maximum amount your policy will pay for bodily injury per person, per accident, and for property damage. If an accident is extensive or catastrophic, those figures are quite low and will not cover your costs or that of the other driver if you caused the mishap. If you don’t have enough insurance coverage, the other driver and their vehicle occupants could end up suing you to obtain sufficient compensation for medical treatment and other issues.  Experts recommend that your policy has significantly higher coverage amounts.

What Other Coverage Should I Consider?

In addition to increased liability, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is a prime consideration. You may also want to get the following:

  • Personal injury protection (PIP) to cover medical costs regardless of fault
  • MedPay insurance, which works similarly to PIP
  • Collision to pay for damages when colliding with another vehicle or object
  • Comprehensive to pay for damages caused by theft, vandalism, natural disasters, etc.

Most insurance companies offer various types of coverage for differing amounts, so you are not required to get the highest amounts. Let the experts at Rancho Del Sur Insurance Services Inc., service San Diego CA, recommend the best coverage amount for your needs and budget.