# Collision Insurance vs. Comprehensive Coverage in Texas | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. What Is Collision Coverage? 2. What Is Comprehensive Coverage? 3. How Do Deductibles Work With Collision and Comprehensive Coverage 4. Are Collision and Comprehensive Coverages Required in Texas? 5. Cost of Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage 6. Do I Need To Purchase Collision and Comprehensive Coverage? ![Collision Insurance vs. Comprehensive Coverage in Texas](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Collision-Insurance-vs-Comprehensive-Coverage-in-Texas-300x169.jpg) There are many different types of auto insurance available, and each type covers somewhat different scenarios, depending on the [car accident](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/car-accident-lawyer/) you suffered. Collision and comprehensive coverage are two common types of automobile insurance, but there are some key differences between the two.  Dive into all the details below to learn more about collision and comprehensive coverage in Texas. ## What Is Collision Coverage? [Collision coverage](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/collision_insurance_coverage), as the name implies, covers damage to your vehicle after a car accident that you caused. Remember that if another driver causes the accident, they are responsible for the damage they caused to your vehicle. Their automobile liability insurance would cover the damages.  However, if you cause an accident, you would need collision coverage to pay for the repairs to your own vehicle. If you are [hit by a driver without insurance coverage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-if-the-driver-who-hit-me-doesnt-have-insurance/), your collision coverage does not pay for the damage. In that situation, you would need [uninsured motorist coverage](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/pros-and-cons-of-uninsured-motorist-coverage/).  This is another type of coverage that can be added to your policy, and it is typically a good idea to have this coverage since there are so many [uninsured drivers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-happens-if-you-are-hit-by-an-uninsured-driver/) on the road. ### Factors That Affect the Cost of Collision Coverage The cost of collision coverage varies, depending on several factors. Some of those factors include: - Your driving record - Your car’s value - Your location - How common accidents are in your area Typically, the policy limit on collision coverage is the actual cash value of your vehicle. This means that if your car is totaled, your collision coverage would pay for the total loss of your car. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## What Is Comprehensive Coverage? [Comprehensive coverage](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/comprehensive_insurance_coverage) also pays for damage to your car. However, comprehensive coverage applies to non-accident-related situations. Some common situations covered by comprehensive coverage include: - Weather damage, such as a hailstorm, flooding, or a falling tree limb - Fire damage - Animal-related damage Like collision coverage, comprehensive coverage will also cover up to the actual cash value of your vehicle. For instance, if your car is totaled in a hailstorm, your comprehensive coverage would pay you for the value of your totaled car. ## How Do Deductibles Work With Collision and Comprehensive Coverage Both collision and comprehensive coverage have a [deductible](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/deductible). The deductible reduces the amount that your insurance company has to pay you. Put another way, this is the portion of damage that is your responsibility when you file a claim. Most deductibles fall somewhere between $100 and $1,000. In most cases, the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly premiums will be. Consider the following example. Suppose your car is damaged by a falling tree limb. You file a claim with your insurance company, and the [insurance adjuster](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/insurance-adjuster-in-personal-injury-cases/) estimates that the cost of repairs will be $4,000. If your deductible is $500, this means that the insurance company would be responsible for paying $3,500 to have your car repaired. [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## Are Collision and Comprehensive Coverages Required in Texas? The law does not require you to carry either collision or comprehensive coverage in Texas. Only liability insurance is required by law. However, your auto lender will likely require you to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage. If you have a car loan, you can expect to purchase both collision and comprehensive coverage. Since your lender has a financial interest in your vehicle, you must carry both collision and comprehensive coverage, or “full coverage.”  If you fail to purchase this coverage, your lender will purchase it for you and add the cost to your monthly payments. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Cost of Collision vs. Comprehensive Coverage In most cases, comprehensive coverage is cheaper than collision coverage. This is because collisions are much more likely than weather-related damage or other non-accident-related damage.  The specific amount that you will pay will depend on your insurance company, your deductible, your driving history, and a few other factors. ## Do I Need To Purchase Collision and Comprehensive Coverage? Since collision and comprehensive coverage are not required by law in Texas, many people wonder whether they should purchase them. As previously mentioned, you will have to buy these coverages if you have a car loan. However, if your car is paid off, you have a choice. Whether or not you should purchase this type of insurance depends on your personal situation. If your vehicle’s value is less than the amount of your premiums and deductible, it might not make sense to buy collision and comprehensive coverage. However, if your vehicle has a higher value, you likely should consider buying these coverages. Our offices Houston — Greenway/Upper Kirby 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350 Houston, TX 77098 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 364-1466](tel:+17133641466) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%203120%20Southwest%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20350%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077098) Houston — East Freeway 11811 East Freeway, Suite 630-06 Houston, TX 77029 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 609-1893](tel:+17136091893) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011811%20East%20Freeway%2C%20Suite%20630-06%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077029) Houston — South Loop 2600 South Loop West, Suite 293 Houston, TX 77054 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 281-4904](tel:+17132814904) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%202600%20South%20Loop%20West%2C%20Suite%20293%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077054) Houston — Katy Freeway 11511 Katy Fwy, Suite 515 Houston, TX 77079 Open 24 hours daily Call [(713) 909-7537](tel:+17139097537) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%2011511%20Katy%20Fwy%2C%20Suite%20515%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077079) Houston — Clear Lake 1300 Bay Area Blvd, Suite B268 Houston, TX 77058 By appointment only Call [(936) 508-2854](tel:+19365082854) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201300%20Bay%20Area%20Blvd%2C%20Suite%20B268%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077058) The Woodlands 1776 Woodstead Ct, Ste. 203 The Woodlands, TX 77380 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%201776%20Woodstead%20Ct%2C%20Ste.%20203%2C%20The%20Woodlands%2C%20TX%2077380) Champion Forest (Cypress) 4606 FM 1960 Rd W, Ste. 444 Houston, TX 77069 By appointment only Call [(281) 843-9777](tel:+12818439777) [Directions](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=Attorney%20Brian%20White%20Personal%20Injury%20Lawyers%2C%204606%20FM%201960%20Rd%20W%2C%20Ste.%20444%2C%20Houston%2C%20TX%2077069) --- ### About the Author Brian White ![About the Author Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/brian-white-houston-personal-injury-lawyer-300x300.jpg) [Brian White](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/our-attorneys/brian-white/) earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a [Board-Certified](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/resources/brian-white-is-board-certified-in-personal-injury-trial-law/) Personal Injury Trial Lawyer. Dedicated to giving back, he actively supports local charities and [community initiatives](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/community-involvement/). [Client testimonials](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/testimonials/) highlight Brian’s compassion, open communication, and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for those he represents. [Avvo](https://www.avvo.com/attorneys/77098-tx-brian-white-74113.html) / [Justia](https://lawyers.justia.com/lawyer/brian-elliott-white-201630) / [Linkedin](https://www.linkedin.com/in/attorney-brian-white-378410166) / [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBrianWhiteLawFirm%2F/) / [Youtube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDdkDcGkbY2GFTzpeTWypFQ) / [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/attorneybrianwhite/?hl=en) / [Yelp](https://www.yelp.com/biz/brian-white-and-associates-houston) / Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Car Accidents Blog Posts: [![10 Safety Tips for Driving on Slippery Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/10-Safety-Tips-for-Driving-on-Slippery-Texas-Roads-300x199.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-safety-tips-for-driving-on-slippery-texas-roads/) [10 Safety Tips for Driving on Slippery Texas Roads](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/10-safety-tips-for-driving-on-slippery-texas-roads/) Climate change has brought about dangerous alterations in weather patterns, often resulting in slippery roads and [![car accidents](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Car-Crash-with-police-660523594_1258x839-300x200.jpeg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/three-car-accident-who-pays/) [Three-Car Accident: Who Pays?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/three-car-accident-who-pays/) In the state of Texas, a reportable automobile collision occurs roughly once per minute. When a car accident happens, [![The Dangers of Driving With Loud Music in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Dangers-of-Driving-With-Loud-Music-in-Houston-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-dangers-of-driving-with-loud-music-in-houston/) [The Dangers of Driving With Loud Music in Houston](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-dangers-of-driving-with-loud-music-in-houston/) More than 2.3 million Texans call Houston home. With such a large population, traffic collisions happen every [![The 4 Most Important Safety Features For Cars](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-4-Most-Important-Safety-Features-For-Cars-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-4-most-important-safety-features-for-cars/) [The 4 Most Important Safety Features for Cars](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/the-4-most-important-safety-features-for-cars/) When shopping for a new car, people look for different things. Some people look for style or fuel economy. Some look --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/collision-insurance-vs-comprehensive-coverage-in-texas/