Why Texans Need Collision Coverage

On the most basic level, collision coverage helps repair or replace your vehicle after a crash. Crashes are a common occurrence for both rural and urban Texans: In 2019, one reportable crash occurred every 56 seconds throughout the Lone Star State, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

“Collision covers the car no matter what,” says Larry Butcher, a Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent in Garland. “If you have collision coverage, it doesn’t matter what happened to the car; you still have coverage to fix the car.”

Butcher explains why collision coverage can be a good investment — even if your vehicle is paid off.

Is Collision Coverage Worth It?

Most Texans are required to have collision insurance when leasing or financing a vehicle. But it can be a helpful investment once you own the vehicle’s title, too. “The reason a lot of folks put collision coverage on their vehicles is to protect their asset,” Butcher says.

For example, if your car is paid off but still carries a relatively high value (say, $4,000 to more than $9,000), collision coverage can be a beneficial investment in case your car is damaged. And should your paid-off car need to be replaced after a qualifying collision, Butcher points out, “a $500 deductible is a drop in the bucket for getting a similarly valued vehicle.” He also notes that deductibles for collision insurance usually range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the policyholder’s needs.

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

Outside of the standard fender bender, there are several types of accidents a collision policy will cover. “It’s pretty basic,” Butcher says. “There’s not a whole lot of variance to collision insurance.” Here are a few common examples of what a collision policy will and won’t cover.

What It Covers

• Potholes. These infamous craters are an inevitable part of Texas roadways. If you can’t avoid potholes, collision coverage will help pay for any vehicle damage, such as brake or suspension issues.
• Highway debris. It’s not uncommon to encounter debris from roadwork or fellow motorists’ poorly secured cargo. Sometimes, the rubble isn’t avoidable, leaving you with vehicle damage.
• Collisions off the road. Texas is no stranger to inclement weather, which can often impact roadways in the form of heavy rain, ice, or sleet. If you happen to lose control and wind up in a ditch, a collision policy will cover any damage to your car.
• Hitting a stationary object. If you hit something fixed into the ground — a tree, a mailbox, a guardrail — collision coverage will have your back.
• Driving into standing water. If your vehicle is in motion, it’s considered a collision.

What It Doesn’t Cover

• Weather damage. Flood or hail damage is not included in collision coverage. That’s where your comprehensive coverage kicks in.
• Theft. If your vehicleis vandalized or damaged during a break-in or auto theft, it’s your comprehensive coverage that will help you in the aftermath.
• Medical bills. Medical bills or lost wages incurred from an accident aren’t covered. That’s a job for personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
• Animal crossing. Collision insurance can cover a collision with an animal such as a deer, hog, or cattle. However, this type of damage is normally covered by your comprehensive coverage. Ask your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent more about what types of coverage you need.

Contact your Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Agent today if you want an added layer of protection between you and the Lone Star State’s treacherous roadways. Your Agent can help answer your questions and add collision coverage to your vehicle.

Coverage and discounts are subject to qualifications and policy terms and may vary by situation.