What is the difference between comprehensive and collision insurance?
Reviewed by the Skyview Auto Glass technical team — NWRD-, ASE- and DINITROL-trained technicians · Updated November 2026
Quick answer
Collision insurance pays for damage when your vehicle hits another car or object. Comprehensive pays for almost everything else — theft, hail, vandalism, fire, floods, falling objects, and animal strikes. For glass, a rock chip or hail crack is comprehensive; glass broken in a crash is collision. Both are subject to their own deductibles.
Comprehensive vs collision at a glance
Comprehensive
- A rock chip from road debris on the windshield.
- Hail that pits or cracks the glass.
- A tree limb falling onto the roof or windshield.
- A side window smashed in a break-in or vandalism.
- An animal strike, such as hitting a deer.
Collision
- A windshield cracked when your car hits another vehicle.
- Side glass shattered in a collision with a pole or guardrail.
- Glass broken in a rollover.
- Damage from backing into an object.
- Handled within the collision claim.
If your vehicle hit something, it is collision. If something hit your vehicle — or weather, theft, or vandalism did the damage — it is comprehensive.
Which covers a windshield, comprehensive or collision
Most windshield and car window damage is comprehensive. A rock chip on the highway, a hail crack, a falling limb, and a break-in are all comprehensive claims, subject to your comprehensive deductible. Many insurers waive that deductible for a chip repair because it costs less than a full replacement.
Glass broken in a crash is different. If your windshield or side glass shattered when your vehicle collided with another car or object, the glass is usually repaired or replaced as part of the collision claim, subject to your collision deductible. See our guide on what collision insurance covers.
The two coverages are often bundled on a full-coverage policy, but they are separate line items with separate deductibles. A driver can carry one without the other on a paid-off vehicle, though lenders and lessors usually require both on a financed or leased car. Because your policy sets what you carry, verify your coverages with your insurer or agent.
Common myths about the two coverages
A rock chip is a collision claim because a rock hit the car.
Road debris kicked up by tires is a comprehensive loss, because your vehicle did not collide with anything. The rock hit you; you did not hit it.
You only need one of the two coverages.
They cover different causes. On a financed or leased vehicle, lenders and lessors generally require both. What your policy covers sets what applies, so confirm the details with your insurer or agent.
More questions about comprehensive and collision
Do I need both comprehensive and collision?
Both are usually required by lenders and lessors on a financed or leased vehicle. Once the car is paid off, both become optional. Drop comprehensive and you pay for glass damage yourself. Confirm what you need with your insurer or agent.
Which covers a windshield, comprehensive or collision?
Most windshield damage is comprehensive — a rock chip, hail, a falling limb, or a break-in. Glass broken in a crash is collision. Each is subject to its own deductible. See our collision coverage guide.
Is a rock chip comprehensive or collision?
Comprehensive. Road debris kicked up by another vehicle is a comprehensive loss because your car did not hit anything. Plenty of insurers drop the deductible for a chip repair. Verify yours with your insurer.
Related guides
More in Insurance and claims
- Does a windshield chip repair count as an insurance claim?
- What happens if you chip the windshield on a rental car?
- Is it worth paying cash for a windshield instead of filing a claim?
- Does insurance cover windshield replacement?
- Does liability insurance cover windshield damage?
- What is full glass coverage?
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